Marlene Ann Foster

Marlene Ann Foster, 85, of Ithaca passed away Thursday December 17 at Mid-MI Medical Center-Gratiot.  She was born February 14, 1935 in Flint, the daughter of Jearl and Maxine Thompson.  After graduating from Flint Central High, she worked at Bell Telephone as an operator and later as an executive assistant. Marlene's grandmother had a boarding house where she met and later married Kendall Foster on December 14, 1957.  After moving to different areas with his job, they moved back to Ithaca in 1959 and into their house in 1962.

She was an active member of the Ithaca Methodist Church since the early 1960's and also participated in a rural ladies group (Mom's Club) for 57 years and two bowling leagues,  She was a Girl Scout Troop Co-Leader, elementary school Room Mother, and American Cancer Society and Commission on Aging volunteer, along with other behind-the-scenes volunteering.

She enjoyed time with family and cooking for them (Oatmeal Scotties for her grandson was a favorite), traveling, sending greeting cards, and reading.   Marlene loved and cared greatly, doing this so well and putting others before her.  She is incredibly missed.  She is survived by husband Kendall, daughter Julie (Vic) Beard, son Steve, and grandson Logan (Abigail) Beard of Des Moines.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A graveside service for immediate family is scheduled Monday December 21.  Any donations further remembering her may be made to St. Judes or SmileTrain.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.