Donna Marlene Selchert

1938 - 2023

Donna Marlene Selchert

Donna Marlene Selchert, age 85, a resident of Porterville, California passed away on December 26, 2023 at Memorial Hospital in Bakersfield California from a short illness.

Marlene, who always went by her middle name, was born on August 20, 1938 in Upland, California to Thelbert (Spud) and Faye Burns. Shortly after her birth her family moved north to Porterville, California and settled into the farming life. As the years passed the family increased by three more daughters: Doris, Janis and Joyce. These four sisters were always called the Burns girls.

Marlene attended Sunnyside Elementary and Strathmore High School (Class of 1956). She excelled in school and sports. She was active in the United Brethren Church belonged to 4-H, where she raised a steer and learned to sew. She formed lifelong friendships while in grammar and high school. In High School Marlene met her future husband, Max Hurt and together they worked in the petroleum industry. They had three children, Dale, Diana and Derek. After their children were grown they decided to part and each follow their own destiny.

Marlene worked at several different bookkeeping jobs at this time in her life. While employed at a local bank she met and fell in love with Jerry Selchert. Marlene and Jerry were ideal for one another. They shared a strong Christian Faith and had many common interests. They spent their time together traveling and working in their church after Marlene retired from Porterville Developmental Center and Jerry from the Porterville Recorder. They often took road trips to South Dakota where Jerry was born and he still had many family members there. They both loved the California coast and would often go there. They shared a strong love for each other and enjoyed their life together.

Marlene was a gifted and talented woman with many interests. She loved to read, bible study, sewing and knitting. Unfortunately, these last few years she developed muscular degeneration and couldn't do some of these things as well as before. But ever innovative, she got herself books on tape and a massive television set. She was not one to give up. She had a sharp mind and intellect and was always up on what was going on in the world.

Marlene is survived by her husband of 37 years, Jerry Selchert of Porterville. Children: Dale Hurt of Iowa, Diana Flowers (Steve) of Strathmore, Derek Hurt (Susi) of Illinois, Julie Selchert of Visalia, and Susie Mack (Dan) of Porterville. Grandchildren: Josh Flowers (Mary), Justin Flowers (Izabel), Lauren Huff (Sam), Lindsay Hurt, Jennifer Gallegos (Francisco), Brandon Spann, Jacob Krohmer and Karen Snyder (Elijah), also, by nine great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Doris Pyland (Gene) of Porterville and her lifelong friend, Peggy Goings (Bud) of Exeter.

Marlene is predeceased by her parents, Thelbert (Spud) and Faye Burns, sisters, Janis Stafforini and Joyce Romeri and grandson, Ivan Cruz.

There will be a graveside service at 11:00 am Friday, January 5, 2024 at Hillcrest/Porterville Cemetery, 1013 East Olive, Porterville, California.

Reception to follow the service at the First Southern Baptist Church, 1641 West Henderson Avenue, Porterville, California.

Porterville Funeral and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be donated to your favorite charity.

Marlene was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, sister and grandmother.