Marlene Cooley Gorton passed away January 6, 2021 in Phoenix, AZ surrounded by her Son Jim and family and Ward Ministry Brandon & Alayna Slinker.
Born on July 10, 1932, in Grace, Idaho to Ernest and Thelma Mendenhall Cooley. She was delivered by her Great Grandmother Mary Ann Turner. Which she was named Mary Marlene Cooley. She lived most of her young life in Soda Springs, Idaho. Her family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1944. Soon after Marlene contacted Polio leaving her with paralyzed of the right arm and 70% use of the left arm. After 7 months in hospital and lots of physical therapy, she graduated from West High School and attended the University of Utah and then Business School. Marlene received honor in excelling on the typewriter with her left hand. Before contacting polio, she played the piano, accordion and danced. She was very musical and loved music and encouraged her family to develop a love for music. The family moved back to Soda Springs where she met and married the love of her life, William George Gorton on October 3, 1951. The happy couple was blessed with 2 sons. On February 28, 1966, the family was sealed together in the Logan L.D.S Temple for eternity.
Marlene was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many positions. Her favorite calling was the teacher of the Mia Maids. She loved each one of those girls.
After her retirement, she and Bill spent their winters in warm Yuma, AZ. During this time, they moved to Salt Lake City, UT for the warmer climate. It was here Marlene made the life histories and genealogy books for each of her grandchildren, her two sons, and her Dear Mother. They all treasure them.
Bill passed away on January 27, 2006, after a long hard battle with esophagus cancer. Marlene moved to Soda Springs to live with her son Jerry and Kathy Gorton. In 2009 she moved to Phoenix, Arizona to live with her son Jim. The warm weather gave her a new lease on life.
Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William (Bill) and one son Jerry and a Grandson Nathan. She is survived by one son Jim (Stephanie,) daughter-in-law Kathy Phoenix, Arizona. Grandchildren: Bill, David, Michelle (Rich) Gamble, Mark (Sandy) Bryant, Nicole (Byron) Armstrong, Shaun (Dawn), Holly (Cody) Smith 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Two brothers Ralph (Myrna) Cooley, Vernal, UT Glen (Annette) Cooley Pocatello, Id
Funeral services will be held in Soda Springs at the Bailey Creek L.D.S Church, 361 S 3rd E. Burial in the Fairview Cemetery in Soda Springs, Idaho
My condolences to all family.
Marlene we will miss you, we will look for you in your window, looking for your smile and now I will turn to my heart to hug you in my memories where you will always live.
Jim, I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Hold on to all the memories you’ve got tucked away in your heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers Jim. May you feel Heavenly Fathers arms around you during this difficult time🙏🏻
Jim and family, so sorry for your loss. I have always admired Marlene since I was a young girl. She was always kind and had a smile for everyone. Was an honor to know her. Prayers for all of you.
My beautiful sister & best friend, its really hard to beleive when i message you there will be no answer, i have admired you for 66 years i always was amazed that you could do so much with i hand especially, raising your sweet family. im so grateful to be a part of your loving family.& to have all the great memories i have, all the special things you made for me with one hand, i know you are at piece a whole body & with your loved ones, i will think of you each day as i always did when i struggled with something you did wit one hand, rest in peace, my special angel i will love & miss you always & forever.as always your sister in law Myrna Prayer to all our familys & friends that loved you
We are saddened by Marlena's passing. She had a soft place in Karen's heart. Karen was Marlena's visiting teacher for a time some years ago. We so enjoyed our visits. Karen kept in touch with her through Facebook. We will surely miss her, but know she is welcomed into Heaven by her family and friends. She also got her hug from Jesus!!!🙏🙏❤❤ Praying for Jim and Stephanie and other family members. With all our love!!
Condolences on your loss. Know that you and your family are loved. I loved Marlene so much, she was like a second mom to all us girls.
Love
Chris
Marlene was one of my favorite neighbors when we lived across the road in Soda Springs. We shared some good times together with many laughs. I enjoyed our visit in Arizona. She will be missed.
Marlene is my best friend, my special spirit sister, and my confidant through these many
years. She has advised, soothed, counseled and strengthened me with each conversation. Oh how I love her! I understand how much she is missed by her family and pray for their peace and understanding. Sharon
Dear family this is Lori Moore I’m sorry about Marlene I knew her when she lived next door to us she and bill were special people she will be greatly missed she was a great friend Lori Moore pocatello
Jim I have a painting that your mother gave her mother Thelma Cooley . If you would like it