Marlene Helen Ward, 80, of Great Falls, slipped peacefully away on Friday, April 22, 2016 surrounded by her loving family.  A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, April 27th at 11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, 1009 18th Ave. SW, Great Falls. 

Marlene was born September 6, 1935 in Belcourt, ND on the Turtle Mountain Reservation. She grew up there with her four sisters and one brother.  They had many great memories growing up in a large family. After attending local schools, graduating from high school, she married Loren Ward on December 6, 1956. They later moved to Great Falls for employment and started a family bringing four beautiful children in the world. Marlene attended the College of Great Falls, studying elementary education.  She worked for Great Falls Public Schools as a Home to School Coordinator and a Youth Group Home Advocate.

Marlene enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and traveling.  She looked forward to Friday “lunch bunch” with great friends, and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a second mom to many and made friends easily where ever she went. Marlene had a sense of humor that could bring you to tears and fill the room with joy and laughter. 

Marlene is survived by her daughters, Lorene (Matt) Vogl and Rocky (Kim) Barnes; brother, Sonny Lilly of Belcourt, ND; daughters-in-law, Ginelle, Ona, Rae Lynn; twelve grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Loren; sons, Dave and Mark; sisters, Mary, Irene, Marcena, and Joyce. 

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