1942 ~ 2025
Monday Sep 22, 2025: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, in the presence of her daughter Kaylynn, sons Guy and John, and daughter-in-law Terrie.
Marlene was born on January 30, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Hyrum Melvin and Lavina Sparks.
Marlene married Jack Waters in 1957, and they later divorced. She married Clarence Cox in 1958, and they later divorced. In 1975 she married Carl “Gene” Laursen, they shared their lives and families for 24 years then divorced in 1998.
On February 14, 1999, Marlene married her forever love Jack Waters once more. They then were sealed to each other for all eternity in the LDS temple on October 13, 2012, and were together until his passing in 2013.
Marlene leaves behind her children Kaylynn Freeland, Guy (Terrie) Cox, John (Sherri) Waters, Michelle Laursen (Malcom) Goforth, Carla Gene Laursen (Ronnie) Marshall, Mark (Nanette) Waters, Cary (Jennifer) Waters, Vern (Debbie) Marvidikis, Pamela Waters (Brent) Versteeg, and nephew, better known as “our boy” Little Jim (Donna) Waters, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, all spouses, son Van Cox, son-in-law Wayne Freeland, 2 brothers and 5 sisters.
The family would like to give special thanks to Elevation Hospice, Bruce Morrison and the staff at Welcome Home Assisted living in Bountiful, Utah. Including her granddaughter Jocee Waters for the special loving care she received during her 4 year stay there. They would also like to give special recognition to Arnold Pye, her close friend of 12 years.
Marlene was a bright light to all those she considered family and friends. She was never on time for anything but enjoyed going anywhere her family was. She enjoyed all her animals and taking care of her yard. Some say if you couldn’t find her, all you had to do was follow the hose to the end where she would be watering her lawn and flowers. When the weather was bad, she was often found in the house listening to music and dancing with anyone who would dance with her. She had a love of everything shiny and red. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple. Friends and family may visit on Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the mortuary and Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Services" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82688885218
It saddened myheart to read your post about the loss of your mother. The dearest woman who brought you into the world is now gone. I’m sure her gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of all of her children. My condolences to you and Teri and to your siblings.
We met Marlene (Red) at Welcome Home when my mom Barbara moved in a few doors down from her. She was so sweet and welcoming and made my mom and our family feel right at home. I loved her smile. She would come and visit with us when I was with my mom. She was always so glad to see me when I came. We loved her so much. She made us feel like family. She would come sit in my mom‘s room and visit with us. My mom loves animals too, I was so grateful to see them just chattering way like they’d known each other forever. She will always hold a special place in our hearts, even though we only met her in July. We’re so sorry for your loss and so grateful for our memories with her.
I’m so sorry I am sending my condolences. 🩷
Sorry for your loss I remember her when we were kids growing up she was a lot like my mom and all the kids in the hood were always like her own children Love always Charles.