Marlene Eleanor Brooks, 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community.
Marlene was born on September 13, 1931, in Manhattan, Kansas, the daughter of the late Vernie Lafeyette and Eleanor (Deibler) Graves. She attended and graduated from Manhattan High School, class of 1949. She was united in marriage to Miles D. Brooks on January 24, 1951, at the First Baptist Church of Manhattan. They enjoyed 69 years of marriage before Miles' death in 2020.
Marlene loved her family and was a very supportive wife. She spent her younger years as a stay-at-home mom and later enjoyed working at Manhattan High School. Following her career at Manhattan High School, she managed the Walnut Grove Mobile Home Park-Brooks Subdivision and was fond of getting to know all the residents. She loved to travel and go on trips with family and friends, vacationing in Branson and wintering in their motorhome in Texas. Marlene also loved country music (George Strait), playing card games and bingo, quilting and weekend trips to the casino.
Marlene is survived by her two sons, Gary S. (Marsha Brooks), of Wamego; Scott W. (Diane) Brooks of Maryville, Illinois; four grandchildren, Melissa Brooks, Megan Hedden, Jared Brooks, and Kristen Wiedman; two step-grandsons, Brandon Piper and Justin Piper; and four great-grandchildren.
Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother.