Marilyn Jean Stauter

Marilyn Jean (Daniels) Stauter, 90, of Seattle, Washington, passed away peacefully at her care home on August 7, 2026. She was a beloved mother, grandmother,sister, cousin, and friend whose sharp wit and ready laughter will be sorely missed. Marilyn was brilliant, irreverent, engaging and funny. She was a writer, a lover of music, and a connoisseur of Chinese and Thai food who was happiest with her nose in a book, sharing a hot chocolate in a neighborhood café, or telling imaginative stories to her grandchildren. She was above all a lifelong feminist whose commitment to justice and to supporting those in need made her a close and supportive confidante. 

Born May 30, 1936 in Ballard, Washington to Molly and Bill Daniels, Marilyn spent her early years living with her family behind the Daniels gas station, walking to Broadview Elementary School across the street and to church next door. Except for a brief period in California, she was a lifelong resident of Seattle, graduating from Lincoln High School, the University of Washington (BA), and Seattle University (MA). She was a longtime high school and junior high teacher in Highline School District, where she shared her love of reading with legions of students and cultivated a journalism program that inspired a generation of young writers. A second career as a used bookstore owner began in1988 with the founding of the Couth Buzzard Bookstore, which became a hub for community gatherings. 

Marilyn is survived by her three children, Jeff (Ida), Keely(David) and Charlie (Erinn), three grandchildren, Chris, Caroline and Percy, three great grandchildren, Moriah, Levi and Leo, brothers Jon Daniels (Carol) and Dick Daniels (Kaye), as well as multiple cousins and second cousins. Her brother Bill (Ann) predeceased her. The family has planned a private celebration of Marilyn’s life.