Marlene F. Raber

Marlene F. Raber, 78, of Eagle, Idaho, passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2011, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise, Idaho. She was born on July 26, 1932, in the small rural town of Canova, South Dakota to Carl G. and Mabel T. Nordstrom. Marlene's grandparents immigrated from Sweden and she was extremely proud of her Swedish heritage. Growing up on the family farm in Canova meant there were many responsibilities for Marlene and older sister Janet. Years later younger siblings Joyce, Bonnie, Harlan, and Barbara were born. Some of these responsibilities included caring for the cattle, pigs, and chickens and also cultivating corn, wheat and baling hay. When the chores were completed and the opportunity arose in summer months they could be found riding horses, swimming in the large water tank, or sitting under the shady tree cooling off with a homemade double dipped ice-cream cone. As soon as the nearby pond froze over in the winter months Marlene and Janet enjoyed ice-skating. Marlene and her family were active members of the Sun Prairie Baptist Church located in Salem, South Dakota. She attended Canova schools and graduated from Canova High School in 1950. She excelled and received many ribbons in high school activities, which included basketball, kitten ball (baseball), and track. She was a cheerleader and a member of the choir, singing at school PTA meetings and graduations. Singing competitions were thoroughly enjoyed by Marlene due to her vocal talents and love of music. "Miss Inter-Lakes" was one of the multiple beauty contests she entered and placed in. Following high school graduation in 1950, Marlene moved to Madison, South Dakota to live with her older sister Janet and husband Morris. While residing in Madison she was employed by Dr. Aistrup as a dental assistant and office manager. In 1952 Marlene met the love of her life, Glen E. (Bud) Raber, who was on leave from the United States Navy. They were married on June 12, 1955. Glen and Marlene were blessed with three daughters; Roxanne, Janelle, and Ingrid. They shared a wonderful marriage for 53 years. During their marriage they also lived in Minnesota, Iowa, and Washington moving to Boise, Idaho in 1971. Marlene was employed in Boise by Sears Roebuck and Co., and later by Hewlett-Packard Company, retiring in 1986. Due to the love and respect she had for her brother-in-law Neil, she became his caregiver at that time. In 1987 Marlene and Glen moved to Eagle, Idaho. Listening to music was something Marlene took great pleasure in. She especially loved gospel hymns, classical music which included professional recordings of both her brother-in-laws Neil and Bob Raber. Marlene also had a wonderful singing voice. Saturday evenings were spent with toes tapping and singing along with the Lawrence Welk show. Marlene cherished the joyful and memorable moments that were spent with her five grandchildren; Taylor, Riley, Alexandra, Evan, and Erin. She supported them in every endeavor and always had words of wisdom and encouragement. "Do your best and stay positive," she would always tell them. Marlene was a joyful person with a quick wit and led her life by example. Hard work, honesty, and respect were instilled in her at an early age. Her religious upbringing and love of God was evident in the way she lived her life. Marlene's presence in her family's life will be greatly missed. We were always proud to call you "Mom and Grandma" and our hearts are full of love and admiration for you. She leaves behind and is survived by her three daughters, Roxanne Raber-Buehler (Brad), Janelle Raber (Tate Witherspoon), Ingrid Raber, sisters Janet Richardson, Bonnie Vickmark, Barbara Kampshoff (Kenny), grandchildren Taylor Dickey, Riley Dickey, Alexandra Raber Witherspoon, Evan Dickey, and Erin Raber Witherspoon, brother-in-law Neil Raber, and numerous other extended family members. Marlene was preceded in death by her husband Glen E. (Bud) Raber, parents Carl G. and Mabel T. Nordstrom, sister Joyce Nordstrom and brother Harlan Nordstrom. A viewing was held Friday, January 14, 2011, at Summers Funeral Home, Ustick Chapel, Meridian, Idaho. Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at 3:30 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, Cathedral of the Rockies, 717 N. 11th Street, Boise, Idaho. A graveside service will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery 10100 Horseshoe Bend Road, Boise, Idaho on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, at 2:00 p.m.