Marlene Varner

Marlene Varner, age 87, of Marshall passed away peacefully on November 12 at home surrounded by her loving family after a lengthy illness.  Marlene was born in 1936 to Marguerite (Casebeer) and Lloyd Allen in Coldwater, Michigan.  Marlene was a graduate of the 1954 class of Tekonsha High School.  After graduation Marlene worked for the former Marshall State Farm Insurance Company before becoming secretary at Marshall’s Hughes Elementary School where she excelled as secretary and having the most remarkable arrangement of plants on display outside her office.  Marlene loved working with the children at the elementary school and would recognize them and remember their names well after her retirement.  During her retirement you could typically find her working in the yard on her amazing landscaping and garden beds as well as riding on her mower.  She loved working in her yard.

Marlene married her high school sweetheart, Clarence Varner in 1957 and they had three daughters, Kelly, Lisa, and Jodie.  Clarence and Marlene were completely devoted to each other and their story was that of true and endearing love.  She was also blessed with two grandchildren, Christina and Johnathan.  Attending her grandchildren’s activities was one of her favorite past times.  She took great joy in going to every event and activity that her grandchildren were involved in.  Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She had a wonderful sense of humor and you could always find her creating special memories with her grandchildren and playing games with them.  Marlene was known for her cooking skills and the weekly family dinners that could feed a crowd.  She was so happy to have her family at the dining table and the laughter that came with the family visits to the house.    

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents.  Marlene is survived by her loving husband Clarence, with whom she shared over 70 years of her life with, and their three daughters Kelly (John) Morse, Lisa (Jim) Dorosh, and Jodie Varner, grandchildren Christina (Pete) Ciaverilla, Johnathan Dorosh (his fiancé Kyleigh Langdon), great-grandchildren Eloise and Vincent Ciaverilla and her brother Douglas (Sharon) Allen.  

The family wants to thank Elara Caring for their exceptional help over many years and especially their hospice support at the end.  Their wonderful care and friendship enabled Marlene to remain in her home with family which was Marlene’s wish and such a blessing for her and her family.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 1-3pm at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068 with a memorial service following at 3pm. Burial will take place immediately after at Lyon Lake Cemetery, 8803 17 Mile Road, Marshall, Michigan 49068.

Memorial contributions in Marlene’s honor can be made to Elara Caring Hospice or to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.