Marion Christopher Gathercoal

Marion Christopher Gathercoal, 94, passed away on April 21, 2026, at Silvergate Assisted Living in Chandler Arizona. She was born to John and Florence Christopher on January 6, 1932 at Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Marion led an active life filled with family, friends, and many activities including reading, sewing for the family, cooking, singing, family vacations, community service, and walking with friends at the mall. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she was avidly involved with family history and temple work. Marion graduated from historic Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, California and later received her Registered Nursing degree from Mount San Antonio College at Walnut California.

She worked at several hospitals in California, ending her career at Chandler Regional Hospital in Chandler Arizona. In 1951 Marion married Robert Hall Howry and raised two daughters and two sons in Hacienda Heights, California: Dana Arens (Kurt) of Mesa, AZ, Karen Helmuth (Brad) of Mesa, AZ (deceased), Christopher Howry of Long Beach, CA, John Howry (Cyndie) of Silverton, WA. Thirteen grandchildren include Amber Roseberry (Arens), Kimberley Snook (Arens) Rachel Schaub (Arens), Allison Sutherland (Arens), Crystal Holland (Arens), Sarah Nicholls (Arens), Daniel Arens, Brett Helmuth, Andrew Helmuth, John Howry, Ryane Howry, Matthew Howry, Katie Howry. In addition, Marion has been blessed with thirty-nine great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She was married later in life to Alfred M. Gathercoal (deceased) of Medford, Oregon.

Graveside services will be provided at Mesa City Cemetery on Thursday April 30th, 9:00 AM. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.