Marlene Kay Spicer

1944 - 2025

Marlene Kay Spicer (Haage)
Born: February 11, 1944
Died: October 2, 2025
Marlene Kay Spicer, 81, of Camdenton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on February 11, 1944, in Peru, Illinois, Marlene was raised throughout her childhood in Standard, Illinois. She lived a full and vibrant life – one defined by hard work, determination, and love for her family and friends.
Marlene had many passions over the years. She loved deer hunting, and was so proud when she got her first buck. She also loved gardening, crocheting, fishing, cooking, and traveling. The beach was where she found peace and joy, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her family.
She also had a special place in her heart for her dogs, who were always by her side. She recently adopted a feral cat that was pregnant, and she named it Kitty. She took care of the kittens until ready to find a new home, and then surrendered Kitty to a local shelter as she was no longer able to care for it. They renamed Kitty to Marlene.
Throughout her life, Marlene held many jobs, but she was especially proud of owning and operating her own restaurants. She ran The Country Café in Spring Valley, Illinois, before moving to Camdenton, Missouri, where she opened another successful restaurant. Known for her strong work ethic, she often did it all – cooking, bartending, and serving – always with a smile.
Marlene was the kind of woman who could do anything she set her mind to. Determined and independent, she never let anyone tell her she couldn't do something – she would simply prove them wrong. Even after being given a cancer diagnosis with a prognosis of 3 to 5 years, she defied the odds and lived 7 remarkable years, inspiring everyone around her.
Through all the challenges of treatment, Marlene remained positive and kind. She deeply loved her care team at the cancer center – the doctors, nurses, and social workers who in turn adored her. Later, her hospice team came to know her as well and were touched by her warmth and humor. She often referred to her nurse as her "angel."
Marlene is survived by her husband, Ralph Spicer, of Camdenton, Missouri; her children, children
Daughter-Tina (Barry) Willmer of Spring Valley, Illinois,
Granddaughter -Mandi Ponsetti (David)
children- Grace, Jett, Harper
Grandson- Jared Willmer-Child-Aiden
Son-Terry Soule (Tracy), of Camdenton, Missouri
Granddaughter-
Christina Schweickert-children-Braydon, Liam, Maverick
Grandson-George Schweickert-children- Kennedy, Brody, Rowen
Grandson-Damien Prethus-children-Marley, Isabella, Amelia
Granddaughter-Kaylee Soule
Daughter-Michelle (Jason) Corsolini of Ottawa, Illinois;
Granddaughters-Alayna Corsolini, Gianna Corsolini, Annamaria Corsolini
Sister-Bonnie Gama of Grand Ridge Illinois
Brother- Bill Haage (Sheila) of Granville, Illinois
Brother- Jim Haage (Jo Lynne) of Streator, Illinois
She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she adored.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Betty Haage; her sons, Michael Paul Chiapelli and Don Soule and her nephews, Matthew Haage and Joshua Haage.
Marlene will be remembered for her laughter, her resilience, her generosity, and her unwavering spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Marlene didn't want any services. The family will have a celebration of life at a later date.