Marlene Ann (Crisler) Thomson passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, at her home in Valley Center, Kansas, with her husband of 63 years by her side. She is now with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the presence of God in Heaven above.
She was born March 11,1937, a daughter of the late Thomas Russel and Mary Olga (Ansley) Crisler.
A 1955 graduate of Rushsylvania High School and a 1963 graduate of Ozark Bible College in Joplin, Missouri, Marlene developed a deep love of study and passion for learning. While an undergraduate student, she not only pursued her interests in Greek and Biblical studies but grew her skills in her love for music (choir) and her practical skills serving as the secretary to former Ozark President, Don Earl Boatman.
While a student at Ozark Bible College, she met and married Joseph Terrill Thomson at the Rushsylvania Church of Christ (now Rush Church) in Rushsylvania, Ohio, on June 17, 1960. After graduation, Joe and Marlene made their family home in Valley Center, Kansas, where they raised four sons: Jim, John, Phillip, and Matthew.
Marlene had so many gifts and talents. Using her Biblical Studies background, she was a true reflection of Jesus as she grew in grace and wisdom, as she taught Women’s Bible Studies and Vacation Bible School for years. She was a true prayer warrior as she sacrificed and served others, giving of herself in so many ways. She even made several dozen Afghan comforters that were sent to Israel to be given to elderly Jewish women by a missionary group in Israel.
Marlene was also a gifted musician and would often be heard singing in the church choir or playing organ/piano for church services or as an accompanist for her husband and others. She even accompanied her son, John, for the Kansas State High School Vocal Solo/Ensemble contest.
She turned her hobbies into beautiful creations as she quilted, crocheted, and cross-stitched. If she wasn’t stitching, you would often find her cooking or baking. Her cinnamon rolls and dinner rolls were sought after at church potlucks. Her recreations of her mother’s chocolate and butterscotch pies were enjoyed by her family. She also read books endlessly as she never tired of learning.
As her family grew, Marlene decided to return to the workplace and took a job with the Walmart company. She began her career as a cashier, and then moved into the fabric/crafts & cards departments where she found great fulfillment not only as an employee, but as a friend to so many.
Marlene’s kind and compassionate spirit will be missed by her family and friends. Spending time with the ones she loved was her passion and will not be forgotten. The family would like to thank the Emergency Services Department of Valley Center for their help and care for her in her final moments of life.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Russel and Mary Crisler; sisters Esther (Dale) Jones, June (Kenny) Birt, Norma (Paul) Daum; brothers Charles, Wellington, Welman (Marilyn) Crisler, and her twin brother Merlin Crisler; sister-in-law Marcia Kay Thomson (missionary to Zimbabwe), and brother-in-law Phil Harden.
Marlene is survived by her husband, Joe Thomson, and sons, Jim and Philip Thomson, of Valley Center; son, John (Jill) Thomson of Footville, WI; son, Matthew (Heather) Thomson of High Hill, MO; sister, Mary Lou Harden of Seffner, Florida; sisters-in-law, Mary Kay Crisler of Dayton, Ohio, and Nancy Crisler of Marion, Ohio; grandchildren, Meghan Thomson, Samantha (Carl) Streich, Katie Thomson, Christopher Thomson and Claire Thomson, along with numerous nieces, nephews, their families, and many friends.
Memorial services will be held at Valley Center Christian Church,1801 E 5th St, Valley Center, Kansas on Saturday, October 28th at 10:30 a.m. with Randy Jones, John Thomson, and Dwayne Westerfield officiating. A brief visitation with family will be held at 9:30 a.m. that same morning. Memorial gifts may be given in Marlene's memory to Valley Center Christian Church, 1801 E. 5th St, Valley Center, Ks 67147.
Baker Funeral Home Valley Center is handling arrangements. Condolence may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.