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Marlene Lawless, 88, of Snyder Village, Metamora, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026. She was born June 25, 1937, to Edward and Mildred Mitchell. She married Robert, “Bob” on a whirlwind trip to Mississippi on November 19, 1955. This began her passion for travel and adventure.
Throughout her career, Marlene collaborated with various tool-and-die companies. Beyond her professional career, she embraced being a wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed traveling with Bob to sporting events and activities both near and far. She was an avid card player with family and friends alike, playing a good round of Rook, “the penny game”, Pinnacle, and Canasta, along with many board games. She always had a tasty treat or dessert for those who stopped by, and brought many tasty treats with her when she traveled near and far. Many days were spent baking her famous chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, brownies, Bob’s favorite coconut cream pie, and her warm peach cobbler with ice cream! Marlene embraced her passion for travel, exploring various places and visiting family and friends, including trips to Hawaii and California. Her adventurous curiosity led her, Bob, and several friends on an Alaskan Tour, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Surviving family members include her only son, Rick, three grandchildren, Neil, Doug, and Valerie, five great-grandchildren, Micah, Allison, Jonathan, Jace, and Aubreigh, one step great-grandchild, Dawson, several nieces and nephews, and a special great-nephew, Easton, with whom she enjoyed many special times.
Marlene is survived by two sisters, Carol and Joann. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, one stepsister Dorothy, one stepbrother Bill and one brother Jimmy.
Pastor Michael Jones will officiate Marlene’s funeral service at Mason Funeral Home, 20 Valley Forge Rd, Washington IL on Tuesday, February 3, 11:00 am. Visitation is scheduled for one hour before the service. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Hillcrest Memory Gardens, Morton IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Snyder Village, Metamora IL. To share a memory or send condolences to her family, please visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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