St. George, Utah - Marlene Kay Mackenzie, 80, peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father after a brief illness surrounded by family on May 24, 2023. She was born with her twin sister, Arlene, on April 11, 1943 in Orrville, Ohio at home on the family farm. She was married to Ben Mackenzie for nearly 58 years. They were in the same first grade class and both graduated from Orrville High School in 1961.  Marlene graduated from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio with a degree in Elementary Education.

After their marriage in Orrville, Ohio in 1965, they moved to Wichita, Kansas for 7 years before returning to Ohio where they raised their three children on country property in Randolph, Ohio.  She taught elementary education until her oldest son was born when she became a full-time mother and homemaker.  Marlene and Ben became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1976 where she served in many church responsibilities throughout her married life.  They retired to St. George, Utah in 2008.

She found joy in serving others. She loved to share little gifts, quotes, cards, letters, meals, or crocheted blankets.  She loved the thought of making things that comforted others. She was loved by many, especially her family and will be greatly missed.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Ben of St. George, Utah; three children: James (Maria) Mackenzie of Lexington, Missouri; John (Bree) Mackenzie of Rexburg, Idaho; and Christy (Tyler) Garrett of Boise, Idaho; brother, Bill Shoup; sisters: Elinore Myers & Arlene (Glenn) Jambor; 18 grandchildren; and 16+ great-grandchildren.  She loved and cherished each one of them.  Marlene was preceded in death by her parents Lee & Irene Shoup; brother, Robert Shoup; sisters-in-law: Clara Jean Shoup & Dorothy Shoup; and brothers-in-law: Keith Myers and Peter Stamburger.

Memorial services to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. (MDT) at Metcalf Mortuary located at 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held at noon prior to the funeral.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in Crown Hill Cemetery, Orrville, Ohio.

Live streaming webcast of the funeral services is available by clicking on the broadcast below. Webcast will remain on-line for 90 days.