Marla passed on May 12, 2018, at the age of 69 due to complications from Pick's Dementia.Marla was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri. She studied at Christian College and later graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Masters in Counseling. She then moved to Colorado to teach 4th grade and became a school counselor at Falcon Elementary and years later retired from Stetson Elementary.Marla was greatly esteemed by her colleagues for the programs she implemented and was given the "Award of Excellence" for her accomplishments in the district. Marla had a talent for servicing students who were distressed, experiencing hardship, or dealing with difficult issues. She was calm, caring, and empathetic with everyone she encountered especially her students. She was an amazing person and truly cared about others. Marla loved a good laugh, people, animals, and music. She played piano daily and dabbled for several years with the accordion. She was a member of a ladies tennis league and played matches several times a week. Her other passions included gardening, hiking, biking, and road trips with her mother and friends. She was a firm believer in God and wrote many poems on her reflections of life. Marla's close friends appreciated her loyal friendship and easy manner. Marla was devoted to her mother, Maxine Riley who recently passed away at the age of 99 in December, 2017.Prior to her death Marla was lovingly cared for by her brother, Michael and his and wife, Deborah Riley. Marla is survived by her sister, Sandra (Michael) DeGarie, her brother, Michael (Deborah) Riley, five nieces, two grand-nieces and two grand-nephews. The entire family was devoted to her to the end. A Memorial Service in her honor will be held 11:00AM, Saturday, May 26, 2018 at First Evangelical Free Church, 820 30th Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904. Events Memorial Service Saturday, May 26, 2018 11:00AM First Evangelical Free Church of Colorado Springs 820 North 30th Street Colorado Springs, CO 80904