Mary "Diane" Medges Marusa

Mary “Diane” Medges was born to Joe and Maxine (Lawson) Medges in Vernonia, Oregon on March 31, 1953, joining her brothers, Mark and Roger. In her childhood years she loved to sing and dance and spent many days on the Columbia River fishing with her family. Growing up in the Vernonia community, she enjoyed her days at Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools. About her high school years Diane said, “I am a 1971 Vernonia High School graduate. I was quite active in school activities including cheerleading, class secretary, treasurer, and girl’s athletic association. During the summer months many of us would go to the neighboring commercial fields and pick strawberries, beans, and various crops.”

In 1955, a sister, Kathi, joined the family making Diane a playmate and protector from brothers who loved to chase them with snakes and other creepy things. Mark and Roger gave nicknames to them, Diane “Cheyenne” (because it rhymed with Diane) and Kathi was “Mav”, both popular 60’sTV shows.

Diane was active in all the sports programs in school. She played volleyball, basketball and participated in track.

Immediately following graduation Diane worked as a waitress until an opening at the beauty college was available. She then attended and received her Oregon state license from the Academy of Hair Design in Salem, Oregon. During this time, she lived with her Aunt Mabel and Uncle Jim Polley, and developed a great love for them.

On March 15, 1974, Diane married Michael James Marusa in Los Angeles, CA. Their marriage took them to Long Beach and San Diego, CA, Cleveland, OH, Albuquerque, NM, then back to Oregon. They divorced in 2020.

Born to Diane and Mike on October 3, 1977, was their only child, Jessica Erin Marusa. Diane loved being involved in Jessie’s dancing, sports and school activities.

Diane’s career included working for McRae Salon of Beauty, Cleveland Federal Savings and Loan Association, US Armed Forces Association, Avon Products, Sanyo and Wallpapers To Go. While working at Wallpapers To Go, she was pleased to receive the Outstanding Sales Achievement Award for the district, comprised of 10 stores.

Diane loved shopping at estate sales and thrift stores, hunting for beautiful jewelry. She also loved making jewelry. She was the ultimate competitor at Scrabble, Upwords and Pinochle. She was also an excellent seamstress and made many draperies and upholstered many pieces of furniture. The last few years she and her Aunt Mabel spent many hours finishing lap quilts for a Salem church that gave them to the needy.

In the last year Diane developed breathing issues and was diagnosed with COPD and most recently pneumonia. Not being able to recover from the pneumonia, she was taken to the ER on August 7th where she was diagnosed with lung cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes and bones. She was up and about until the first part of September and then quickly went downhill, fighting until the 13th of September with Jessica, Kathi and Mabel guarding her bedside. She took her last breath at 6:55 pm holding her Aunt Mabel’s hand.

Diane is survived by her daughter Jessica (Paul) Frazier, Grandchildren: Cassandra Marusa, Kianna and Laila Frazier of Beaverton, OR, brothers Mark (Miyo) Medges of Okinawa, Japan; Roger (Shelley) Medges of Algona, WA; sister Kathi (Bill) Knowles of Beaverton, OR and her 99-year-old aunt, Mabel Polley with whom she has resided for the last 5 years.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 22nd at 1:00 at the Vernonia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Diane’s name (Diane Medges-Marusa, Class of 1971) to the Logger Stadium Fund, c/o Boosters, PO Box 73, Vernonia, OR 97064