At the age of 2, Marlene’s father died in an accident. In 1975, she lost her mother, Opal Ida, at the young age of 54. When Marlene Duke Scoville reached her goal of making it to the age of 54, she considered every day from that point a blessing and an opportunity for an adventure. During the years to follow, Marlene never let an adventure pass her by without taking an opportunity to discover new and exciting things. 
Marlene Duke Scoville, 72, Iola, passed away Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, Okla. Marlene was born on July 29, 1949, in Holdrege, Neb., to Deitrick and Opal Ida (Massey) Brummer.
Marlene graduated from Kearney State University, Kearney, Neb., in 1971, where she received her bachelor of science in education. During this time and due to the premature death of her parents, Marlene met Don and Barb Smith of Elm Creek, Neb. The Smiths stepped in and took her under their wings and quickly became her surrogate parents.
After college, Marlene went on to teach in Colby, where she met and then married David Michael Duke in July of 1973. During this union they brought into the world a beautiful daughter, Leslie Michelle Duke. Shortly before the birth of their daughter, they moved to Iola, where she continued to teach school.
In 1984, Marlene went to work for Prudential Insurance Company. As an agent, she met many families, helping them to prepare for life’s unexpected events and many trials she herself had unfortunately endured early on.
It was with Prudential Insurance, when a gentleman came in to settle a death claim for his mother, Marlene was touched by this man’s genuine love and concern for his mother. They began dating and ultimately married. Marlene and Stan Scoville were married on March 19, 1994. They were married for over 20 years.
Marlene’s zest for living led her to garden, travel extensively, and do various work-related endeavors; her most recent employment being with the Iola schools. Her particular love for teaching students of all ages led her to spend her last few working years teaching elementary age children where she touched many lives.
Upon retirement and Stan’s death, Marlene continued as a pillar of strength who enjoyed walks, hiking and the outdoors with her family. Her faith never wavered throughout the years. She was a devoted follower of Christ and her walk with Him was very personal, consistent, and faithful.
Always the educator, Marlene cherished her time teaching as well as learning together with her beloved, pride and joy grandson, Rex. She could tell stories and talk for hours. There was a plethora of knowledge to be gained from conversations had with her. She genuinely loved getting to know others and sharing her experiences that shaped her into the woman she was. Marlene’s influence on everyone she knew and loved will be sorely missed. She was truly a one of a kind grandmother, mother, and teacher.
Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Stan Scoville; sister, Beverly Marshall; and her chosen father, Don Smith.
She is survived by her chosen mother, Barbara Smith, Elm Creek, Neb.; daughter, Leslie Duke, and husband Ryan Redyke; grandson, Rex Duke Redyke. She also leaves behind one brother, Harold Brummer (Pam) Pleasanton, Neb.; three sisters, Shirley Johnson, Oklahoma City, Marilyn Smith (Doug) Oceanside, Calif., and Dixie Wartner (Randy) Lakewood, Colo.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
A visitation is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 25, at Feuerborn Funeral Home in Iola. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funral home, 1883 U.S. 54, Iola, at 2 p.m.
Memorials in honor of Marlene are suggested to the Marlene Duke Scoville Memorial Fund and may be left with the funeral home or mailed to 1883 U.S. 54, Iola, KS 66749. Condolences may be left online at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
Marlene Scoville’s funeral service can be watched at https://vimeo.com/637532194
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