Marian Kaye Bliss Keawe Baker

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of our mother and Grandmother, Marian Kay Bliss Baker AKA Marian Kaye Keawe, (Meleana-a Hawaiian name given to her by her mother-in-law) of Pahrump, Nevada, who passed away on May 18, 2023, at the age of 79. She was born in Ruth, Nevada on September 29, 1943, to Lois Evelyn Price and Melvin Corneil Bliss. She and her two sisters, Ellen and Rela were raised in Ely, Nevada. She had good hard-working parents but there were problems. She was devastated when her parents divorced when she was 14 years old.

She left for a new adventure to the island of Oahu, Hawaii at the age of 18 to pursue her education at Church College of Hawaii now known as BYU Hawaii. There she met and married her first husband John B.K. Keawe with whom she bore and raised four daughters with for 22 years. The desire to be closer to her mother and family in Nevada prompted a move and job transfer to Renton, WA in 1983. Mom worked at several different places during this time while raising the younger two daughters, Suzy and Dacyl who were still at home. John and Marian were married for 27 years and divorced in 1989. She struggled to find love after divorce. She was married to Bob Baker in Washington for 5 years whose name she kept.

She began employment as a secretary with The Boeing Company and remained for 10 years earning her a pension while living with her daughter, Berdeen, and helping to care for her young children.

In 2002 she retired and moved to Post Falls, Idaho to care for her ailing mother. While living there she continued her undergraduate studies at Lewis and Clark State College earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work in 2010.

Mom attended Primary and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the age of 14. She was an avid reader and loved the Bible and the Book of Mormon. She had a personal relationship with her Savior and always kept Him near. She was always a faithful missionary. One of her most gratifying moments happened when her mother was baptized as a member at the age of 92. She also loved doing family history work and remained close to her nieces and nephews and extended family members.

On the passing of her mother in 2017 she moved to Las Vegas to live near her eldest daughter, Bonnie. During this time of adjustment, she was still trying to find her place. She eventually settled in Elko, Nevada near her sister Ellen and cousin Robin Alberson. For health concerns and having the longing to move to a warmer climate she and Ellen decided to move to Pahrump, Nevada together. They felt endeared to the place where their younger sister Rela had died decades before. The need to be close to family has always been a desire of hers.

Upon arriving in Pahrump in June 2021, a fall that injured Ellen made her unable to care for herself. This consequently put mom in the caregiver position again. During her last two years, Mom served her sister ceaselessly, at times not caring for herself. Her last words were of concern for her sister being left alone. She lived in the service of others.

Mom was a fun, caring, feisty, intuitive, spunky individual. She was 40% sugar and spice and 60% fire and ice. She had a zest for life that was unmatched. She leaves a legacy of selfless service, sacrifice, grit, and determination. Being a mother and grandmother gave her the most happiness and joy. Despite the struggles in her life, she remained dedicated to her relationships with her four daughters, 13 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. She will be missed and carried in our hearts forever.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Lois Evelyn Bowers; her father Melvin Corneil Bliss; her stepfather James Lee “Red” Bowers; her sister, Rela Stewart; and her great-grandson, Jaren Ferguson.

Marian is survived by her sister, Ellen Tervort; her 4 daughters, Bonnie Jean Ku’uipo (Douglas) Coburn, Berdeen Lei Aloha (Charles) Meadows, Suzanne Kaleinani (Hugh) Carney, & Dacyl Kehaulani (Douglas) Sommer; her 13 grandchildren, John A.K. (Camilla) Coburn, Amber K. (Richard) Ferguson, Dallin K. Coburn, Karen "Kawai" J.K. (Ethan) Ewing, Taylor A.K. Coburn, Aubrie L. (Nephi) Tollestrup, Theisen M.I. Meadows, Theran B.K. (Stephanie) Meadows, Rylynn H. Carney, Finn K. Carney, Faith H. Sommer, Keilah H. Sommer & Christian I. Sommer; and 21 great grandchildren, Daniel, Clara, Aaron, Lillian, Adalynn, Annalise, & Ezra Coburn. Anden, Kainoa, & Rowen Ferguson. Kawena, & Ke Aloha nui Coburn. Aven, Findley, Lana, & Hollan (in utero) Ewing. Kawika, Keone, & Keawe "Kiwi" Tollestrup. Penelope "Penny", & Brodie Meadows.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmnorthwest.com for Marian Baker’s family.

Condolences can be mailed to: The Keawe sisters c/o BonnieJean Coburn, 5808 Elphin court, North Las Vegas, NV 89031.

Services will be held Friday, June 2nd at 4:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 5975 Clayton St., North Las Vegas, Nevada 89031