Marlene A Thele, 82, passed away on Dec. 15, 2019, with family by her side at St Joseph’s hospital in Tacoma after a fall. She was a very social person with the gift of gab.

Marlene was born on August 8, 1937, in Aberdeen to Oscar and Louise Pehrsson. They lived in a small logging camp at Wixwood near Elma for her first few years. She graduated from Elma High School in 1955. She played the French horn in the band. She married Ken Thele on Sept. 21, 1957. They were married 54 years and had three children. She was very active in her children’s activities, including scorekeeping at the Little League games. Marlene worked for the state government for 25 years, retiring from the Department of Health. One of her main loves in life was the piano (also organ and keyboard) but also loved karaoke. She was active in several lodges as musician in the Rebecca Lodge, Moose lodge and Eagles. She also loved crafts and created silk arrangements to sell at craft fairs.

She lived at Maple Glen Senior Living for many years and had lots of concerts down in the dining hall for her fellow residents. She also enjoyed bingo, dominos, dice and cards.

She is survived by her children, Richard Thele of Shelton, Cindy Nuxoll of Satsop and Vikki Gigstead (Tom) of Shelton; grandchildren, Tom Gigstead Jr., Melissa Gigstead and Cadie Nuxoll; great-grandchildren, Rose, John, Kendyl and McKenzie Gigstead. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.