Marlene Dolores (Ellis) Zmek was born July 23, 1936 to Delmar Ellis and Mary Ellis Rush. She grew up in Cashion and graduated from Benedictine Heights High School, which is now Guthrie Job Corp. She attended college in Tulsa, then met Louis Zmek, married and moved to Hutchinson, Kansas, where Louis was from. They had two children, James Louis Zmek and Teresa Marie Zmek Russell.

After Louis' death in 1969, Marlene stayed in Kansas five years before returning to Oklahoma. Marlene went to work in Oklahoma City in the oil and gas industry, and worked until she was 70, retiring only when her Parkinson's Disease made working too difficult.

Marlene was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, participating in bible studies as well as Catholic Daughters. Marlene was also a member of Kappa Theta ESA sorority, serving as treasurer, and had served as an officer of the BPW (Business and Professional Women) Club. Marlene liked to travel, and went on numerous bus tours with her mother, as well as several cruises. Her hobbies included gardening and baking, and she was the maker of the Ellis noodles, served at every holiday dinner, and was always trying new recipes. Marlene also made candy at Christmas time, Aunt Bills, toffee, peanut brittle, peanut butter balls, and cheese logs. Another great joy in Marlene's life was her grandchildren, and she spent many hours in the back yard playing baseball with each of the boys.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother-in-law Gary Westbrook, and sister-in-law Sheryl Ellis. She is survived by her two kids, Jim and his wife, ReJeania, Daughter Teresa and her husband, Danny, grandchildren Steve (Kendra) Zmek, Cameron (Madeline) Zmek, Dustin (Amy) Bowman, Kiley Russell, Matt Russell and Haley (Jeff) Sutton. She is also survived by great grandchildren Kennedy Copeland and Tyler Zmek, Asher and Aspen Bowman, Landon Cottongin, and Ellyce Sutton.

Marlene was a very sweet, kind person that would help out anyone and never complained about anything. Let's honor her memory by trying to be more like her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rev. James Wickersham officiating. Interment will follow at Cashion Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home.

There will be no viewing.

Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.hayesfh.com.