Marlene D. (Bender) Watts joined her heavenly father and loved ones who preceded her on December 14th, 2025. Marlene was born June 22, 1939 to Herman and Freda Amelia (Michel) Bender in Trego County, KS. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lillian (Bender) McKinley and Wilma (Bender) Clews, and her husband Gerald O. Watts, as well as her son, Don Watts.
Marlene is survived by her brother Daryl Bender (JoAnn), daughter Debbie Kahler, son, Terry Watts (Christine Berglund and her three children); Grandchildren, Shelley Kahler Meaux (Steve), Devin Watts (Raquel Vasquez) Kirsten Kahler (Thomas Ragsdale), Angela Watts, and Garrett Watts. One great grandson, Lucien Meaux.
Marlene started school in a small, one room school house in Trego County. Her parents built a new house close to WaKeeney, KS. Marlene then attended WaKeeney Grade School from third grade on. She went on to attend Trego Community High School and graduated in 1957. She attended Fort Hays State college for a couple years, where she met the love of her life, Gerald Watts. They married on June 14th, 1959. She knew he was the one, she told a granddaughter once, when he got up during a movie to get her more popcorn and didn’t mind that he was walking in front of the screen to make her happy. They were married for 62 years.
The following year, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Debbie. In the summer of 1962, the family moved to Colorado Springs, CO and were blessed with two additional children, Don and Terry. Marlene was a homemaker for their early life, Marlene was the typical homemaker of the 1960’s and 70’s focused on her husband and involvement with her children’s school and other activities. Her hobbies at that time were sewing, skiing and playing tennis. She dabbled in painting, knitting and other forms of arts and crafts. She held various other jobs including real estate sales and small business ownership. Her favorite work was a job she held at a quilt store in Colorado Springs, because quilting was one of her lifelong passions. She used her talents to make quilts for her family, hospice, nursing homes, and other charities. Many of whom still treasure her beautiful quilts today. She also taught her grandchildren how to sew and quilt.
Marlene was always an active member of the church and a true believer. In Colorado Springs, she was a founding member of Sunrise United Methodist Church. She was a member of the choir as well as a small group called the ‘Grace Notes’ that brought the joy of music to nursing homes and other facilities. Marlene enjoyed playing handbells as well as singing.
In 2003, she and Gerald moved to Downs, KS. Together, they opened an antique, collectible, and used furniture store, Timeless Treasures on Morgan Avenue. Marlene supported Gerald with many aspects of their store. Since they lived close to Gerald’s mom, Edna, they were able to help care for Edna in her later years. While living in Downs, Marlene participated in the community through quilt guilds, church music and volunteered at the Agape Shop. She formed many friendships. Marlene was a generous, radiant soul who gave of her time and truly cherished her children, grandchildren, and great grandson with all her heart.
Funeral Services will be at Zion Lutheran Church, Tuesday, December 30 at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Agape Shop of Downs, and Church of Choice in care of Schoen Funeral Home And Monuments, 1001 Morgan Ave. Downs, KS 67437. Online condolences to schoenfhm.com