Marilyn Rose Friedrich

Marilyn Rose Parent was born February 4, 1932 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Arthur Parent, Sr, and Anna Parent (nee’Havelak). Marilyn married Alphonso Verbout January 13, 1951 in Portland, Oregon. Within 13 years the family grew to seven with four boys and one girl. A move from the bustling city of Portland took them to a farm in Scappoose, Oregon. Barns were full of chickens, and rabbits, fields were full of cattle and horses as the family grew to love the rural, farm life. Marilyns love of sports started with her children as she attended all their sporting events. While the family attended to the chickens Marilyn guided her children into 4-H the showing cattle, rabbits and even getting a horse. A move to Oregon City, Oregon to a larger farm; raising poultry, cattle, pigs and horses made for a full life caring for children, attending sporting events and 4-H.

A divorce from Alphonso prompted a move to a small farm in Colton, Oregon with two of the children and a few select Angus cattle. Marilyn took a job at a poultry processing plant where she met and married Robert Friedrich. Moving to Mulino, Oregon the family grew once again adding three of Robert’s daughters. Under Marilyns direction the Angus herd grew into a thriving cattle business both in the show and sale ring. Marilyn supported the children as they attended school, sporting events and showing cattle. This was also when Marilyn got bit by “The Blazer Bug.” She and several children camped in line at the coliseum to attain tickets to the 1977 championship games. While in Mulino Marilyn was instrumental in bringing intercity children to live on the farm for one week every summer.

A divorce and move to Walla Walla, Washington did not deter Marilyn. With cattle and children in tow she attended all their school and sporting events and upon the children’s graduation she moved to LaGrande, Oregon. Marilyn sold her cattle and equipment to her daughter who continued her legacy of breeding, showing and selling elite Angus cattle with Marilyns son. This is when Marilyns drive prompted her to start and solely operate the very successful HiLine Knits. She designed, made and merchandised ski hats to mountain resorts, stores and craft shows all over the northwest. Marilyns work ethic and creativity also lead her to design and make several knit and fleece products to sell. During this time, she was highly involved with her grandchildren, was an exchange ambassador with the Rotary, travelled abroad extensively and while continuing to travel to Blazer games holding season tickets.

Marilyns final move was back to Portland, Oregon. She still owned and operated HiLine Knits and became a hostess, greeter and monitor for the Rose Garden. She worked at games, shows and music events and always loved meeting, greeting and talking to people. As her knitting business slowed, she also took a job with Peregrine allowing her to work at outdoor events of soccer, golf and more.

Marilyn loved her children, grandchildren, her beloved dog Shaniko, cattle, her job, her customers, the Blazers, and her co-workers dearly. Her smile, tenacity and independence are what everyone she knew and met will remember. She was pre-deceased in death by her parents, Arthur Sr. and Ann Parent; ex-husbands Alphonso Verbout and Robert Friedrich; a sister Anita Christensen; and a grandson Matthew Coote.

Marilyn Friedrich passed away in her home on February 24, 2026. She is survived by her children: Mark Verbout, Paul Verbout, Ray Verbout, Anne Coote and Patrick Verbout; as well as her grandchildren: Jessica Raab, Tylor Verbout, Daylin Verbout, Gigi Verbout; and her siblings: Arthur Parent, Jr. and Nicole Winters.