Marlene Mae Moore went home to the Lord at 10:41 pm, Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Gibson City Annex, Gibson City.

Marlene was born on July 8, 1935 in Strawn; a daughter to Hermie and Edna (Kessler) Shive. Her parents, three siblings, and her husband, Bobby, preceded her in death.

After graduating from F-S-W in 1953, she worked on the farm with her Dad since she was engaged to the "boy next door", Bobby Moore. They were to be married when he returned from his service in the Army. They married on March 13, 1954 in Fairbury.

Marlene worked as a secretary at Honegger's Hatchery until she and Bobby started their family.  Three daughters were born: Melodee (Lynn) Stevens, Parma, Idaho; Tamra (Grant) Bedel, Trivoli; and Kellee (Mike) McGuire, Forrest. She considered them all her tomboys. Marlene never told the girls "wait until your Dad gets home" to carry out the discipline.

Marlene and Bobby farmed for 49 years. She worked right alongside him. She hauled and unloaded corn and soybeans at the farm and then got her Class B license to drive the grain trucks to haul the crops to the elevator in Cropsey. Unwillingly, she learned to operate the combine, but then decided she enjoyed it. Marlene was considered to be Bobby's "right hand man" and he relied on her greatly.

They raised dairy cattle and other livestock including chickens before strictly row crop farming.  She told the story of once after feeding the chickens, she realized she had lost her wedding ring.  Being very upset and after searching for hours through the corn cobs, she was then so relieved to have the ring fall out of the cuff of her jeans that evening.

Along with her many other responsibilities, Marlene also raised a large garden from which she canned and froze a great bounty of produce.  She taught her girls how to work hard, and in the process, reap the rewards from that work ethic.

When not farming, Marlene and her mother-in-law began a business painting and hanging wallpaper. They worked for many people in the area and became well known for their meticulous work.

Four grandchildren blessed Marlene's family: Jason (Aleah) McGuire, Fairbury; Brandi (Alan) Stipp, Forrest; Dustin (Tatia) Bedel, Ardmore, 0K; and Kalee (fiancé, Adam Hodel) Bedel, Roanoke. She also had five great-grandchildren: Adi Bachtold, Lakin Bachtold, Brynlee Bedel, Canon Stipp, and Berklee Bedel.

Marlene was a member of the Gibson City Church of Christ. There will be no public services. Upon cremation, her remains will be laid to rest in Strawn cemetery, Strawn. A private family service is scheduled and Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the Annex at Gibson Area Hospital.