February 23, 1932 ~ October 22, 2020 (age 88)
Marlene passed away peacefully in her home with family present on October 22, 2020 in Longmont, Colorado.
Marlene was born on Feb 23, 1932 on a small farm outside of Mascot, Nebraska to Lloyd and Clara (Rapp) Scott. Her family moved to Chicago for a time, and later to Des Moines, Iowa where she attended High School. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in teaching and taught elementary students.
Marlene had worked in the summer at Yellowstone National Park where she met Richard VanTuinen who was working as a ranger there. After Richard completed his active duty service in the Army, they were married on August 30, 1958. Living in Rochester, New York, Richard worked with the US Public Health Service and Marlene taught school. She continued teaching until their children were born. Public Health Service took the family to various locations. They raised their family in Ohio. After Richard’s retirement, he accepted contract work in Longmont, Colorado where they could be closer to family, be near the mountains, and enjoy gardening.
Marlene was actively passionate about her family. She was the Mom who gladly hosted all children’s friends at the house, drove all to activities, planned school parties, and housed more pets than can be counted, worked in substitution teaching, all while being the encourager and motivator. She loved her husband and her children selflessly and was an example to be followed. She looked to the Lord her Savior daily and choose His peace that can never be taken away. She lived “…Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there be anything of excellence and or anything worthy of praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Marlene is survived by her husband, Richard J VanTuinen who lovingly cared for her until her death, and children Rich (Sonya) VanTuinen and Janet (Jeff) McKinley. Her parents and brothers, Irvin Scott and Douglas Scott, preceded her in death. Marlene and Richard have seven cherished grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, Lorenchia Scott and Lucy Scott, special nieces and nephews, and close cousins.
A special thank you to members of Calvary Church in Longmont and to neighbors who supported the family with meals, flowers and cheery visits. We are grateful for the assistance of Halcyon Hospice.
The service will be held at Carroll-Lewellen Funeral home on Tuesday October 27, 2020 at 2:00 PM with visitation at 1:00PM. Memorial donations may be given to Calvary Church in Longmont for missions.
