Obituary: Gossett, Marian
Age 97
She was born Ina Marian Riggs on January 22, 1918 in Tekoa, WA to Robert F. and Ina Mae (Ledbetter) Riggs, one of eight children in the family.
She attended first grade in Emida, ID and grades two, three, and four in Fernwood, Idaho.
The family then moved back to Tekoa where she completed her education and graduated from Tekoa High School in 1936.
Following graduation, Marian worked for Penny’s in Tekoa.
In 1941, Marian met Orville Gossett in Tekoa where the couple was married on May 11, 1941.
Marian and Orville Gossett owned and operated the Tekoa Variety Store, the soda fountain, and the liquor store.
Many of Tekoa’s youth recall having the best egg salad sandwiches and hot dogs ever at that soda fountain, which Marian ran.
Her husband Orville died in 1982.
Marian retired from the variety store in 1996.
Marian moved to Royal Park in July of 2014.
She was a Charter Member of the Lady Jaycees since 1946, and was president in 1952.
Marian was active in community events, including Slippery Gulch Days, which she took part in for 13 years, singing and dancing at the variety show.
She enjoyed going out to eat with her close friend June Yale who worked at the variety store for 20 years.
She also liked to play bridge.
Marian and Orville Gossett also played in a band for several years after they were married.
Survivors include her daughter, Peggy Scott of Spokane; her son, Steve Gossett of Tekoa; five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her three sisters and four brothers: Catherine Rawlings, Elsie Lowry, Florence Riggs, Jeff Riggs, James Riggs, Robert Riggs, and Sanford Riggs.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Tekoa Community Church.
Pastor Kathy Kramer will officiate at the service.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Tekoa Community Church, the Tekoa Empire Theater, or to the Tekoa Ambulance Fund.
The family would like to thank the staff at Royal Park in Spokane, and Dena, Kelly, Doni, and Jodi who took care of Marian at her home in Tekoa.
KRAMER FUNERAL HOME of TEKOA, WA is handling the arrangements.