Marianna Powers

January 12, 1956 - April 7, 2018

Marianna Babich-Powers It is with great sadness that the family of Marianna (Babich) Powers announce her unexpected passing in a single car accident April 6th, 2018. Born and raised the in the Yakima Valley, Marianna (Mary) was the eldest of John & Anita (deceased) Babich's five children. In her youth Marianna was active in the valley 4-H program where she participated in the annual Dress Revue, Toppenish Jr. Livestock Show, Yakima & Grandview Fairs and numerous community service programs. Ever the artistic one, she was often called upon to put this talent to use in decorating parade floats and crafting fair displays during her time in 4-H. Marianna was an avid seamstress and an extraordinary cook, skills she learned from her mother Anita. In her later years she shared these valuable talents with many young people through the Harrah 4-H program. Not one to waste a thing she was known to craft men’s ties and blue jeans into quilts for friends and family. Most recently she teamed up with her son James to open the Farmhouse Café in Harrah, WA. where she was known to whip up a tasty coleslaw and a scrumptious cinnamon roll. Marianna was a voracious reader and could devour a book in a sitting and recall years later the minute details of the book. She loved all things feline and shared her home with husband Tom and four kitties; a cat might be considered to have won the lottery if it crossed paths with Marianna. After double knee replacement Marianna discovered the joy and exuberance of Zumba dancing and could be found at the local gym or Zumba class even after spending all day at work. As Postmistress of the Harrah Post Office she met and befriended many and was always ready to lend a hand and an ear. Smart, witty and succinct she could be counted on to call it as she saw it. She enjoyed sharing and posting on Facebook, cats figuring prominently along with other articles that expressed her thoughts and feelings. She is survived by her husband Tom, son James (Rose) Mills, father John Babich, sisters Cecile Babich Morrow and Janine Babich, brothers John Babich and Mark Babich. Daughters-in-law Kimberly Smith (Phillip), Stephanie Long (Daniel), Michelle Powers. Granddaughter-Shealynn Mills & Step-Granddaughter- Zanora Ramirez A celebration of Marianna’s life will be held at 1PM on Saturday, April 21st at Harrah Grace Brethren Church 3701 Harrah Rd. Harrah, WA 98933. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to your local Humane Society. Friends can send condolences at www.toppenishfunerals.com. Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.