Marlene R. Rarick

Marlene Rae Rarick, 81, died Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, at Altercare of Bucyrus following an extended illness. Born Aug. 30, 1932, Marlene spent most of her life residing in Bucyrus with her husband of 64 years, Ronald Dean Rarick, who survives. She was an Altercare resident since February.

Also surviving are two children, Michael Dean Rarick of Galion, Rhonda Louise Rarick and husband Pat Nieder of Bucyrus, three grandchildren, Christopher Dean Rarick, Andrew Robert Rarick and wife, Casie of Galion, and Lauren Louise Nieder of Bucyrus. Four great grandchildren survive, Christopher's sons Richard Dean and Michael Christopher Rarick, and Andrew's daughter McKinley and son Conrad Rarick.

Sister Helen Louise and husband Harold Thompson of Bucyrus survive along with brother-in-law Roger Murphy of Arizona, nieces Lisamarie Bashaw, Sheryl Gilley, and nephews Steve Thompson, Brian Murphy and Eric Murphy.

Marlene was born in Nevada to Ray Starner and Dorothea Starner Heckerd, both deceased. She lived from birth through high school with her grandparents, Jack and Helen Bricker. She graduated Nevada High School in 1950 as class valedictorian. Ron and Marlene married in Greenup, Ky., May 12, 1949.

She was preceded in death by stepfather Marion Heckerd, stepbrother Tom Heckerd, and sister-in-law Sandra Murphy.

A homemaker for many years, she also operated Marlene's Ceramics from her residence when her children were young. During their teenage years, Marlene resumed working at the Telegraph-Forum as the Classified Ad manager and retired in 1979. She was the second of three generations employed by the Telegraph-Forum. Her grandfather Jack Bricker was the pressman and daughter Rhonda was a Telegraph-Forum reporter for many years.

Marlene was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Bucyrus and Regent of the Hannah Crawford Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for 15 years. She was a long-time member of the Kingwood Herb Society of Mansfield, Central Ohio Unit of the Herb Society of America of Columbus and Keep America Sewing Club of Columbus.

For many years Marlene traveled the state lecturing on various topics, but her favorite subjects were the Victorian period and making of Tussie-Mussies, small floral bouquets, of that era. The bouquets were made using a language of flowers to denote the intended sentiment to its recipients, similar in meaning to modern greeting cards.

Topping Marlene's list of favorite things were her grandchildren, backyard herb garden, DAR, sewing and cooking. She was a collector of many things, but most loved were her teddy bears and Beanie Babies.

An eternal optimist, Marlene was an intelligent and remarkably talented woman who was admired for her abilities, along with her kindness and generosity. She was a leader, gifted craftsman who shared her crafts at shows around the state, and artist as displayed on her ceramics. Marlene was also accomplished in knitting, crocheting and stained-glass artwork.

But most of all, she was a devoted wife, loving and supportive mother who adored her grandchildren, and cherished family and friends. She will be missed by all those whose lives she touched during her lifetime.

Calling hours will be held at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday Jan. 3 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 130 S. Walnut St., Bucyrus, with Pastor Emeritus Jack L. Kocsis officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association through the funeral home.



Visitation:

Thursday, January 2, 2014 4-7 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Friday, January 3, 2014 11:00 a.m

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 130 S. Walnut Street, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery, 835 Kaler Ave., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820