Marlene Lou Goertz

Marlene, 91, was welcomed into the loving arms of her heavenly Father on March 28, 2023.  Marlene was born on August 14, 1931, in Newton, Kansas and married Emory Goertz on September 28, 1951.  They celebrated 72 years of marriage.

Marlene grew up on a farm in the 1930s and attended a one room country school.  She lived through the Great Depression but living on a farm they always had meat and a vegetable garden.  She was baptized at the age of 17 into the Tabor Mennonite Church and stayed a faithful servant throughout her life.  Marlene and Emory met at church and married in 1951.  They farmed for a little while, but drought forced Emory to find other work.  That work eventually brought them to Farmington in 1963.  It was here that Marlene played the piano at church, won many baking ribbons at the county fair including a Grand Champion, enjoyed embroidery and making quilts, and raised her family.  She worked at McKinley Elementary School where the students loved her.  Marlene had a long and full life. 

Marlene is preceded by her parents, Doris Haan (Bill) and Jay Geer (Maggie), and sister Normajean Gerdes.  Marlene is survived by her husband, Emory, and her children Myra Rogan and Grandon Goertz (Nancy Inskeep).  Her grandchildren include Michelle Buchanan, Levi Dodge (Tara), Miriya Julian (Jason), and Ariana Goertz.  She was especially fond of her three great-grand-children, Mason Julian, Paul Dodge, and Kira Buchanan.

She was buried at Greenlawn Cemetery prior to a celebration of life service on Saturday, April 22, at the Bethany Christian Church.