Obituary of Marilyn Orthouse

Marilyn J. (Elkland) Orthouse (70) passed peacefully on December 3rd, 2020 after a brief but difficult battle with cancer. Her husband of 51 years, Douglas E. Orthouse (71), joined her in peace on December 6th, 2020, after his own health issues and a broken heart. Doug and Marilyn were married on June 28, 1969 in Franklin Lakes, NJ. They raised two children, Edward and Michelle, in the Hewitt section of West Milford, NJ before retiring and moving to Equinunk, PA in 2014. In 1976, they began their long history of camping in Wayne County, PA when they discovered Keen Lake Camping Resort in Waymart. Every Memorial Day, Labor Day, and sometimes even Columbus Day weekends were spent at Keen Lake with their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family. In addition to their camping trips, their other great joy was cruising. They took several trips to their favorite island, Bermuda. Doug spent much of his free time tinkering with some project. He was everyone's "go to" when something needed to be fixed. He loved sharing his knowledge with his children and grandchildren – whether it was changing a tire or upgrading a bathroom, Doug was always willing and able to help. His sense of humor was often dry, and his one liners could have you laughing even days later. His grin would light up a room and always cheered everyone up. Marilyn enjoyed spending time with her family. She was always planning get togethers. Whether it was Friday evenings with Doug's brother and sister and their families or barbecues with her sisters and their families, togetherness was her goal. Grandma loved to spend time with her grandchildren. Each of her five grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She was proud of all of their accomplishments, no matter how great or small –getting them their first musical instrument, encouraging one through college, their first home, becoming an Army soldier (two of them!) or being there when they got their learner's permit, grandma always made their moment special. Marilyn spent several years volunteering at The Cat's Pajamas in Honesdale. Marilyn and Doug are survived by – their son Edward, his wife Kristie and their children, Austin, Alex, and Jimmy of Equinunk, PA; daughter Michelle (Woods), her husband Bobby and their children Meghan and Robbie of Hewitt, NJ. Marilyn is also survived by her sisters Regina (Ed) Loikits, Beverly (Harry) Piekema, and Charlotte (Barry) Smith, several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Edith and Marinus Elkland. Doug is also survived by his sister Elizabeth (Chuck) Regan and brother Richard (Anne) Oorthuys, several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephew. He was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth and Gerardus Oorthuys and his sister Geraldine (John) Mulligan. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Dessin Animal Shelter or VFW.org. Internment will be at the Lookout Cemetery. Arrangements are attended by the Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home 1228 Main Street Honesdale, Pa