Marlene Kay Cory

Marlene Kay (Smith) Cory, 86, of Ludington, formerly of Newaygo, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025.
Marlene, affectionally known as "Skinny", a nickname given by her late father, was born on October 15, 1938, the daughter of John Ludwig and Mary Wilma (Williams) Smith, in Portland, Michigan. She was a 1956 graduate of Catholic Central, in Muskegon. On February 2, 1992, she married William "Ed" Edwin Cory. She was employed at Guardsman Fremont Products and retired in 2012. She also was employed at a handful of other places which included Plumbs Grocery for over 10 years, in nursing homes as a CNA, and along with her husband, they owned A & W Ludington. She was a devoted member of Living Word Church Ludington.
Marlene was kind, loving, encourager and exhorter, passionate of Jesus her Lord. She enjoyed traveling and camping with family and friends. She enjoyed watching puzzles being solved on Wheel of Fortune on weekdays, as well as solving her own, playing crossword puzzles. Above all else, she loved the time she had with her family, especially attending family reunions.
Marlene is survived by her son, David (Mildred); daughters, Brenda, and Susan (Steven); numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother, Gary (Donna) Smith; sisters, Marilyn Shinaver, Beverly (Mike) Hicks, Mary (Doug) VanderStelt, and Debra (Chuck) DeGraaf; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, William Edwin Cory; parents, John and Mary Smith; siblings, John Harrison, Alice Mary, Charles John, Joan Marie, and Carol Jean.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 22 at noon at Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, with visitation beginning at 11am at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Living Word Church Ludington.
Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.