Obituary of Marlyta Deck

Marlyta Deck was born March 28, 1920 to Thomas and Margaret Nisbet in Chimacum, Washington. Her parents later moved to Chehalis, Washington where Marlyta learned to love farm life. Marriage brought her to Thurston County. She was a farm operator and owner for over thirty-five years. During this time she raised her two children Peggy Dobbs of Rochester and David Deck of Olympia. Marlyta served 8 years on the North Thurston School Board, was involved in 4-H and in the PTA. She was a board member of Washington State Fairs. In 1972, Marlyta was the first woman to be elected as state fair president and served again in the same position in 1988. Marlyta also was the volunteer legislative liaison for the Washington State Fairs Association for 28 years, and a lobbyist for the Washington Cattlemen’s Association for 14 years. Marlyta has held many honors over the years. She received recognition as 4-H alumnus of the year and was the Bicentennial Patriot for North Thurston School District. Marlyta received the first outstanding service award from Thurston County Fairs and has a building that bears her name. She is survived by her two children, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one great, great-grandchild, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marlyta’s name to Safeplace of Thurston County, the Dave Nisbet Endowed Scholarship at the University of Washington, or Thurston County Fairs. A celebration of Marlyta’s life will take place at Lacey Presbyterian Church on Sunday, April 1st at 2 p.m. A reception will follow at the Thurston County Fair Grounds. Dave Nisbet Endowed Scholarship University of Washington 1200 5th Avenue Suite 414 Seattle Washington 98101 Attention: A Thurmond