Marlene Dee Howe

Marlene Dee Howe Farr Moss, 90, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend peacefully passed away August 5, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family and church, her love of music, and her many accomplishments and interests.

She was born October 14, 1934, to Carolyn McKinney and Carl John Dee, Jr. in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a young girl, she developed a deep affinity for music and began performing as a soloist as early as 6th grade. In her youth she also discovered that she enjoyed synchronized swimming, diving, tennis, and bowling. After graduating from Granite High School and Seminary in 1952, she attended the University of Utah on scholarship where she studied music education. In 1953, she was a finalist in a local beauty pageant.

She married Allan Turner Howe on July 8, 1953, which was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They welcomed five children to their family and Marlene embarked on her greatest passion—being a mother and later becoming a grandmother. She especially loved babies and tried to be available to help when each of her grandchildren were born. Marlene was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, and literally and figuratively sang their praises to everyone she met. A treasured gift she gave each family member was her singing telegram tradition: everyone could expect a phone call from Marlene, delivering her operatic, robust, Happy Birthday serenade to celebrate their special day.

She truly loved people, and always had a big smile for everyone. She was naturally inclined toward healing and nurturing, offering hugs, backrubs, and herbal and home remedies to any willing participant (as well as those less willing). She was particularly gifted at being a compassionate caregiver, and her family and friends relied on her for comfort, encouragement, and her soothing touch in their times of illness or distress. In addition to fixing people, she liked repairing broken things by taking them apart and then restoring them. Marlene loved finding bargains and brought home many treasures from thrift stores for herself and her loved ones.

Marlene was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of her life. She served for many years as the chorister in Sacrament Meetings, Relief Society, and Primary. She often sang her testimony of Jesus Christ as a member of and soloist in many choirs, including the Washington, D.C. Mormon Choir, and performed at the White House and a number of other venues. She was known for her powerful, rich, clear soprano voice and brought joy to those around her with her cheerful and constant singing, even up until her final days.

While she was married to Allan, she was his biggest supporter, especially in his political career. She had the opportunity to meet prominent leaders including President John F. Kennedy, President Lyndon B. Johnson (she danced with him twice at his inaugural ball, while wearing a red and gold gown that she sewed herself), and President George Bush, Sr. She was good friends with Vice President Hubert H. Humphry and Senator Frank E. Moss. And she was politically active herself. In 1965, Marlene was elected as National Committeewoman of the Utah State Young Democratic Club. While Allan was serving in the United States Congress in 1974-1976, she was a member of the Congressional Wives Women’s Club.

One of the heartbreaks of her life was her divorce from Allan in 1987, after 34 years of marriage. However, she was blessed to spend her golden years with Lewis Farr (married October 21, 2000) singing “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and other songs in harmony with him. After he passed away, she met Robert Hafen Moss (married March 7, 2018) and was grateful for his companionship and enjoyed studying the scriptures with him.

Marlene is survived by her children, Cynthia (Kerry) Riggs, Lyndon (JoAnn) Howe, Kenneth (Kathy) Howe, David (Mary) Howe, and Christopher (Sandi) Howe, 15 beloved grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, half-brother Murphy (CeCe) Bullock, and nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husbands, parents, sisters Nellie Ann and Ruthie, brothers Arnold and Richard, grandson Jarrett Howe, and many other aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank her caregivers and friends at Valencia at Willow Creek, Atlas Homecare and Hospice and Larkin Mortuary for their loving care and assistance.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd (10600 South), Sandy, UT. Before the funeral, a viewing will also be held in the same location from 9:00-10:45 AM. The funeral service will be live-streamed and can be viewed by clicking the "Watch Services" button above. The interment will be at Murray City Cemetery immediately following the service.

Condolences may be extended to the family by clicking the "Send Condolence" button above. Memories of Marlene and personal experiences with her would be especially appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity.