Marcia Jean Hirsch

Marcia Jean Hirsch, age 84, a longtime resident of Ione, WA passed away at her home on June 22, 2026 with family by her side. Marcia was born on Sept. 22, 1941 in Wenatchee, WA the daughter of David Francis and Dorothy Irene (Willms) Gallaher. 

Marcia’s very early years began on the family ranch in Mansfield, WA. In the summer of 1944, Marica lost her father in a private aircraft accident on the family ranch. While in Mansfield, Marcia’s mom, Dorothy, met Art Barrett and they later married. Dorothy and Art relocated the family to Kelly Hill, near Barstow, WA. Marcia and her sisters, Patty and Sheran, grew up on the Kelly Hill ranch alongside their cousins, Toni, Dinah and Beverly Gallaher, and her stepsisters in the summertime. 

They shared in countless adventures including riding horses, swimming in the Kettle River and built lifelong bonds. Marcia attended school at the old Pia Mission Schoolhouse before attending school in Orient, WA. She transferred to Kettle Falls for high school and graduated with perfect penmanship in the Class of 1959. Marcia’s love for music inspired her to attend the music program at Eastern Washington University. While home from school, she met a young man named Kenneth Raymond Hirsch at a Grange Dance. 

In April of 1961, they exchanged vows at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colville, WA. Marcia worked at Colemac in Colville before moving to Ione in the mid-1960’s. There they raised their three girls, Debbie, Kathy, and Michele. Her girls describe her as the ultimate homemaker. She kept the perfectly organized home, beautiful yard and raised a plentiful garden of which she canned much of for later meals. The aroma of fresh baked goods welcomed the girls home after school and there were always cookies and baked delights awaiting their return. 

Dinner was ready at 4:30 every afternoon and the homemade goodness brimmed the plate. Marcia loved her lifetime role as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, cousin, aunt, and friend. Marcia taught piano lessons afterschool to young aspiring musicians in the community, including her children. She loved to share her musical talents and could play the piano, accordion, and the violin. 

She accompanied the Elk Choraliers while in Colville and was the church pianist for Sunday services, weddings, funerals, and students at solo contests. Family was her forte and she loved when they gathered around her table for holiday dinners and “just because”. Her grandchildren grew up with fresh baked treats, baby blankets and quilts sewn with love, fun games of UNO, Yahtzee and Old Maid, front yard maple leaves pile-ups and her presence in the bleachers at their athletic events throughout the years. 

She loved her summertime trips to Wenatchee with her mom and sisters to share time with her dad’s family. She also loved staying in contact and would give selflessly to both her family and community. Throughout the years, she and Ken enjoyed numerous vacations and outings with family and friends, girl trips with her daughters and others. In the early years of marriage, she even traveled to Spain and stayed for a month with her friend Peele Gardner. She was active in the Ione Homemakers Club, Pine Forest Rebekah Lodge, including serving a term as Grand Noble and for many years decorated her famous gingerbread houses to sell at their Christmas bazaars. 

Marcia played in Colville bowling leagues for many years and stayed active through her lifetime. She left a trail of her constant motion in the winter with her snowshoe steps around the house. Marcia was active in her faith and church life. She was a member of the Ione Congregational Church and was able to attend church at the Church @ the Falls as her health declined due to the love and dedication of her grandson Bryant and wife Hannah. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; step-sisters, Kay House and Janice Livermore; and her husband, Ken. Marcia is survived by her three daughters, Debbie Schlomer (David) of Endicott, WA, Kathy Maupin (Kenny) of Ione, WA, Michele Lembcke (Del) of Colville, WA; sisters, Patty Braun of Colville, WA, Sheran Krall of Coeur d’Alene, ID; step-sister, Margaret Brown (Paul) of Tensed, ID; grandchildren, Michael Schlomer, Levi Schlomer, Nicole Link (Garrett), Bryant Maupin (Hannah), Kendra Clowser ( John), Abby Lembcke (Brock VanQuekelberg), Devin Lembcke (Miranda Holland), Jory Maupin, Tandem Maupin-Carrier (Russ); Great-grandchildren, Berkley & Annie Maupin, Karl, Wyatt, Ellie and Isaiah Schlomer, MyKenzie Stoddard, Shailey Maupin, Charlie Clowser, Kane and Kysen VanQueckelberg, and Stetson Stoddard, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. 

The family would like to extend their gratefulness and thank each caregiver that devoted their time caring for Marcia. Marcia was laid to rest with family at the Riverside Cemetery in Ione, WA. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the Cutter Theater in Metaline Falls, WA. Memorial contributions may be given to the Cutter Theater, P.O. Box 133, Metaline Falls, WA 99153. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www. danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.