Marilee Kay Douglass

Marilee K. Douglass, age 81, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, in Visalia, California. She was born on February 13, 1944, in Dinuba, California, to Carl and Erma Jorgensen. Marilee grew up on a ranch in Orosi, California, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for hard work, family, and community. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing from California State University, Fresno, and dedicated much of her professional life to early childhood education in both Oakland and Visalia, where her compassion and love for children shone brightly. Known for her warmth, humor, and welcoming nature and a great listener, Marilee had a gift for making people feel at home. She believed that the way to someone's heart was through food and expressed her love through her cooking. She will be especially remembered for her cobblers, crepes and other canning. Outside the kitchen, she found joy in her garden, where she was known for growing tomatoes that she willingly shared with others and tending to her beautiful flowers. Marilee was deeply involved in her community and was an active member of the PTA, even serving at the state level, where she advocated for children and families. A devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, Marilee's greatest joy came from spending time with her loved ones. She married Charles Douglass, and together they built a home filled with laughter, generosity, and cherished traditions. Her life was a reflection of unconditional love, kindness, and joy that will be forever remembered. Marilee also had a wonderful sense of humor and could find something funny in any situation. She had a calming presence and a steadfast faith that everything would work out just fine. Marilee is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Erma Jorgensen, and her husband, Charles Douglass. She is survived by her sister, Gwen Swenson, her sister-in-law, Margaret Walker, her son, Eric Douglass, and daughter-in-law, Kimberly Douglass, her daughter, Heather Bixler, and son-in-law, Matt Bixler. She is also lovingly remembered by her three grandchildren, Hannah Douglass-Rifkind and her husband Julian Rifkind, Keira Bixler, and Patrick Bixler, who brought her endless pride and joy. A graveside service will be held at Smith Mountain Cemetery in Dinuba on Friday, November 15, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at Quail Park at Shannon Ranch in Visalia at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are also invited to gather afterward at the home of Heather and Matt Bixler to share lunch and memories in Marilee's honor. Marilee's legacy of love, generosity, and grace will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to West Visalia Kiwanis Club Student Loan Foundation Inc In memory of Marilee Douglass c/o M Green and Company LLP PO Box 3330 Visalia, CA, 93278-3330 Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Marilee Kay Douglass

February 13, 1944 - October 24, 2025