Las Cruces, New Mexico
1934 - 2021 (Age 86)
Marlene Penn
Las Cruces - July 10, 1934- July 8, 2021
Marlene Jeanette Cothern Penn passed away Thursday, July 8th at The Arbors of del Rey, Las Cruces, NM. Marlene was born to Leo and Nora Cothern July 10, 1934, in Floydada, Texas. The family moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico when she was a small child where she grew up and attended school. She graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1953.
Marlene married William (Bill) Penn Nov 7, 1953, and together they shared 4 children. Bill and Marlene farmed in Deming for many years. She was a devoted and proud "farmwife" from driving the harvest to the gin to helping run water. Marlene took much pride in the farms she and Bill worked together. Marlene drove a school bus for over 20 years, and she also enjoyed spending time as a member of the Southwestern State Fair Board. She thoroughly enjoyed making Italian Cream Cake, cookies, and cinnamon rolls for her grandkids, there was always a TREAT at Nana's house!
Marlene was preceded in death by her husband Bill, parents Leo and Nora Cothern, brother Patrick Cothern and infant daughter Amy Garnet Penn.
Those here to share her memories are daughter Malinda Chavez of Port Orchard, Washington, son Kevin and wife Kathy of Deming, NM, daughter Brenda Allen and husband Bill of Las Cruces, NM.
Brother Alvin Cothern and his wife Alice, sister Vicki Casper.
Her 10 grandchildren Lisa, Jason, Lacy, Allison, Amy, Jacob, Lara, Tessa, Frank, and Zachary and 18 great grands Preston, Jaron, Lela, Rowyn, Reece, Lillian, Tyler, Lauren, Paizlee, Charlotte, William, Everly, Makenna, Adalyn, Tucker, Emmalee, Axton, and Brock.
A special thank you to the staff at The Arbors of del Rey that became family over the last several years! We greatly appreciate the special care and love that they showed towards Marlene!
Graveside services will be Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Mountain View Cemetery (3410 East Pine St, Deming, NM)
A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (1000 West Florida St, Deming, NM) immediately following graveside services.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to any charity of your choice.
I loved Marlene like a sister , and she and Bill ( my brother) always had such a good, inspiring marriage. They were a good influence on us. And my Neisse's and Nephew´s and theirs are just the best. Bill and Marlene were all about family. God´s rich blessings on their family .
Barbara Nibert
July 15, 2023 | Family
I never got to apologize for how I greeted Marlene at the airport when I flew from California when Grandma O´Hair passed away. I was 35. Marlene was 50. I said, "Now that you´re 50, can I call you Aunt Marlene?" As I grew older, I was sorry for my stupid joke, but I never told her. Well, now I am 72, so the joke is on me. I admired Aunt Nora andUncle Leo very much and I know they dearly loved their children. Please accept my apology on behalf of your mom (for my stupid airport greeting)...
Sharon Collier
January 04, 2022 | Family
My prayers are with you, the extended family of Marlene and Bill. Please know I am with you in this time of sorrow. I wish I could be there with you. Karen
Karen Stull
July 17, 2021 | Family
So sad! I have fond memories of Marlene going back for such a long time. I treasure our friendship through these many years. We became friends during the summer of 1947. There were four of us who were friends throughout our school years and have remained friends to this day. I will forever miss my dear friend Marlene.
Loretta and Phil Smith
July 15, 2021 | School
Our condolences to the Penn family. Marlene was a special lady in our community and a dear friend to my mother< Mary Jo, with the 4-H community. May the best of memories be with each of you. Bill and Jo Lynn
Jo Lynn Carlton Kinman
July 13, 2021 | Friend
Wow.Lots of great memories of Ms.Penn and my family. From the beginning of our riding the school Bus 12 for so many great years.After her retirement didn't see to much of Ms.Penn.But when we did see her she would always ask how all 9 of us were doing name by name.Ms.Penn will be greatly missed.
MYERS FAMILY
July 13, 2021 | Friend
Sweet Lady we will miss you, I remember the last time she stayed at our house she got up in middle of night and it triggered the alarm. Such a good laugh once we got her off the ceiling!!!love you dear one
Larry and Barbara Nibert
July 13, 2021 | Family
I have a lot of fond memories of my cousin Marlene, she was such a beautiful person. We will miss her.
Gary Arnold
July 13, 2021 | Family
