Billie Marlene Wallis Miner

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear mother, sister and friend, Billie Marlene Wallis Miner who left us on Saturday morning February 7th, 2026. Marlene was born in Afton, Wyoming, on August 23rd, 1933, in her grandmother’s home and under her grandmother’s care as the attending midwife. Marlene was the first child born to Elda “Eddie” Kennington and Marvin Wallis. Marlene will be fondly remembered for her kindness, generosity and beautiful spirit.

Marlene leaves behind her loving children: Guy (Danielle), Mike (Lisa), Michelle (Mark), David (Clara) and Lisa (Wendy), along with extended family and many friends whom she loved.

Marlene’s early life was spent in Texas during the Great Depression and in the Bay Area during WW2. She recalled how her mother would make a sack lunch for every weary traveler who knocked at the door. She experienced the sirens in San Francisco, warning residents to stay inside their homes with blacked-out windows. Her family eventually returned to Salt Lake City where she attended East and Granite High Schools. Although she did not enjoy the frequent moves her family made, she was ever grateful for the time they moved to Holladay her senior year in high school where she was blessed with the dearest of life-long friends. She graduated from the University of Utah in Early Education and was a member of the Tri-Delt sorority.

She married Ed Miner in June 1955 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Marlene encouraged and supported Ed as he fulfilled his dream of becoming a pilot. They lived in Las Vegas, Boise, the Seattle area and reluctantly she moved back to the Salt Lake City area negotiating with Ed that if they did so, she would build a home that her brother would design. It was in this home that so many of us remember the gatherings of friends and family; we came together to celebrate birthdays, holidays or to enjoy company playing a card game, Scrabble or Skip-Bo.

Marlene opened her heart, her arms and her home as a place of peace and love. She felt a deep purpose for home and a strong conviction that she should share her home with others. In this way, she has been a blessing to many.

Marlene impacted many children’s lives as a teacher; she taught pre-school and elementary school, retiring as a kindergarten teacher. She taught many children how to read, sharing her favorite hobby. Marlene learned to read as a toddler, sitting on her father’s lap as they read the ‘funnies’ together. Her mother would have to hide her books until after her Saturday chores were done. The love of reading lasted throughout her life. Her favorite kind of day would be spent “curled up with a good book."

Marlene was a widow for the last 30 years of her life but never minded being alone; she always had a book to keep her company. She had many friends – old and new and kept a busy social schedule playing Bridge two or three times a week or going with friends to the opera, ballet or theater.

Her life suddenly changed and she found herself unable to live at home doing the things she loved. During this time, she demonstrated her deep faith through her ever-present smile. A beautiful smile that seemed to get broader as time passed. She developed her faith in a loving Heavenly Father as she recognized the blessings she received through prayer and obedience. She remained cheerful. With peace of mind she did not fear death, knowing that she would continue her life with those she loved in a place of light and joy.

A graveside gathering to honor Marlene's life will take place on Thursday, February 12th, at 11:00 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah. The service will be livestreamed via Zoom and can be viewed by clicking the "Watch Services" button above. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to your local elementary school in her memory. Marlene will be deeply missed.