Marlene J. Souder

1931 - 2018

Marlene Souder, 87, died Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018, at her Quincy home with her family by her side.

She was born in Davenport, Iowa, to Cecil E. and Cora L. (Robertson) Wright on Feb. 5, 1931, and was the youngest of three daughters.

Marlene worked at the John Deere corporate office in Moline for several years, and was a homemaker for over 60 years. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Carthage, where she had served on governing boards and committees of the church. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter IE in Quincy.

She will be remembered as a bright, shining light in the various communities and churches she served.

Marlene's talents were many -- a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, community volunteer and friend who loved to entertain.

A consummate mother and homemaker, she enjoyed preparing meals and treats for her family and friends. Over the years she collected a large library of recipe favorites that she passed down to her daughter and daughters-in-law. Marlene was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed attending and watching their games.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at Blessing Hospital in Quincy for the attentiveness and loving care.

She is survived by her sister, Marillyn Wilson of Milan; daughter, Lynn A. (Thomas) Klimas of Colorado Springs, Colo.; son, Scott W. (Diana) Van Zandbergen of Manchester, Tenn.; stepsons, Jeffrey R. (Melanie) Souder of Overland Park, Kan., and Bruce B. Souder of Phoenix; nine grandchildren, Megan (Mike) Canterbury, Adam (Laura) Van Zandbergen, Allyson (Sean) D'Gornaz, Benjamin Van Zandbergen, Matthew Souder, Nicholas (Kenya) Van Zandbergen, Ethan (Samantha) Van Zandbergen, Logan Souder and Emily Van Zandbergen; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Alyce Epperson; and her husband, Richard Souder.

SERVICES: 2 p.m. memorial service Monday, Aug. 20, at First Presbyterian Church of Carthage with Pastor Joe Little conducting. Burial will follow in Harmony Township Cemetery east of Bentley.

VISITATION: Noon to 2 p.m. Monday at the church with family present.

MEMORIALS: If desired, in lieu of flowers, to the Epilepsy Foundation and Blessing Foundation for Hospice.

ARRANGEMENTS: Printy Funeral Home, Carthage.

Condolences may be expressed online at whig.com.