Marjorie Frances Munder

Marjorie Frances Munder, lovingly known as 'Margie', passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Harker Heights, Texas. She was born on March 27, 1932 in Washington, to Ernest Rulien and Maybelle (Gore) Rulien. 

Margie attended Stadium High School and met Charles 'Patrick' Cowan in Tacoma. The two married and made their home in Tacoma, Washington, then having four children.  After that marriage ended, she married Bobby Eskew, and together they also had four children. She opened her home to fostering children for a time, as well. Margie was married twice after, before later in life marrying Willard Munder, and welcoming his 3 previous children into family. Their years together were marked by deep devotion, shared hobbies, and a life built side by side. She outlived all 5 of her husbands.

She found happiness in the simple and lasting pleasures of life. Her favorite pastime was to do the word search books, which she'd spend countless hours discovering the words and completing many stacks of books.  In her younger years she enjoyed crocheting afghans for friends and family's couches.  She had dance classes and learned to play the piano as a youth, enjoyed singing gospel songs with her family, listening to country music, and square dancing. She had a fondness for Chinese food, as well as, making her potato salad and fried chicken for the many picnics at Point Defiance Park. She always wore an apron, as she loved to cook and bake the home made meals everyone devoured. Camping, boating, hiking, traveling, and being outdoors in nature brought her joy, as did the roses and gardens around her home. The ocean and evergreens calmed her soul.

Above all, Margie cherished family, and adored children. She is survived by her son, Charles Cowan; 3 of her daughters, Cheryl Adams, Karen Waldrop, and Norma Eskew; her nephews Brian Nelson, Steven Rulien, niece Diane Jordan, and her stepchildren, Willie Munder, Jodi Munder, and Tammy Amos. She also leaves behind a large and cherished circle of grandchildren, including Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Misty, Jack, Pilo, Autumn, Jeffery, Jody, Jason, Carrie, Jenny, and Chrissy, as well as many other great-grandchildren. Her love for family was evident throughout her life, and the home she built was one of welcome, care, and togetherness, creating a fully branching family tree with blooms of everyone's significant others and extended family members to sparkle in her sunlight.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ernest Rulien; her mother, Maybelle Cowan; 2 daughters, Judy Appling and Kathleen Morgan; 2 sons, James Cowan and David Eskew; her brother, Ernest 'Ernie' Rulien; her sister, Nancy Nelson, a nephew, Harvey Rulien, and a grandchild Kimberly Cowan, as well as all her aunts, and uncles. She was a legend.

Margie will be remembered for her warm smile, her soft voice and laugh, her devotion to those she loved, her enjoyment of life’s everyday pleasures, and the enduring care she gave to family and friends. She endured much and overcame much more in her 94 years, with strength and courage. Her memory and spark will remain a blessing to all who knew her, and she will be truly missed.

A special thank you to those from Altus Hospice and Harker Heights Nursing and Rehab who provided for her their compassionate care. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Sabrina Young at Young's Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center.