Marlene was raised in Oklahoma and moved to Kansas City in the early 1950s. She graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1958. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in English & Spanish from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO and later earned her Master’s Degree in Library Sciences from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO. Marlene began as a High School English and Spanish teacher in North Kansas City, MO before she and Ammon came to Nevada in 1971. She raised her family, then in early 1985 took a job as the Director of the Nevada Public Library, retiring in 2000. Marlene was instrumental in moving the library from the Carnegie Building to its current location on 218 W. Walnut.
Marlene was a longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she served in many roles. She was also a member of the DAR and MENSA.
Marlene is survived by her husband, Ammon, of the home; daughter, Holly Caldwell, Nevada, MO; two grandchildren, Colton Caldwell (Courtney), Nevada, MO and Erica Caldwell (Levi Dipman) and their children, Gunner, Moe, Max, and Marly, Lamar, MO; and son-in-law, Loren Hunt, Nevada, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Lori Hunt.
Graveside services will be at 2:00p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Newton Burial Park, Nevada. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in Marlene’s memory to the Nevada Public Library in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.
#MidAmericaLive
