Marlene McLees, age 86, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Mesa, AZ surrounded by her family. Marlene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Her family embraced her in care for the last several years as they navigated the challenges of dementia together.

Marlene was born in De Smet, SD to parents George and Edith Ward. She graduated Glendive, MT High School in 1954, and married Donald McLees in August 1956.

The family moved to CA in early 1960s, settling in El Segundo where they raised their children and ran the family businesses. Marlene and Don retired and moved to their ranch at Terry's Corner on Camano Island, WA in 1983.

Marlene was a Girl Scout leader for over 20 years. She was active in the Methodist Church since the age of 10, in Central City, SD; El Segundo, CA; and then with the Stanwood United Methodist Church. Her hobbies included quilting, traveling in their RV, relaxing at the Gold Bar Nature Trails camping club with her grandkids, cooking, baking, and gardening. Marlene and Don raised cows, chickens, and their grandchildren at their Camano Island Ranch.

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband Don of 59 years, daughter-in-law Christine McLees, sister Wilma Powell, and her beloved puppy Chica. Marlene is survived by her children: Cindy (Eric) of Mesa, AZ; Arjay of Hemet, CA; Jim (Joanna) of Northfield, MN; and Cheryl (Randy) of Scappoose, OR along with 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; her siblings Georgene (Al) Torgramsen of Renton, WA; and brother Harlen (Nancy) Ward of Federal Way, WA.

A celebration of life will be held July 22nd 1pm-3pm at the Camano Center (Senior Center), 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island, WA. Marlene and Don's ashes will be interred on July 20th at 1 pm at Pioneer Cemetery, Camano Island, WA.

Marlene's family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Camano Animal Shelter Association, the non-profit organization where Marlene adopted her puppy Chica.

Camano Animal Shelter Association

198 N. Can Ku Rd, Camano Island, WA. 98282.

360-387-1902 www.camanoanimalshelter.com