Marlene Lou Garland

Marlene Lou Garland, the daughter of Gardiner Charles and Margaret (Grame) McLinden, born June 12, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri, peacefully passed away on March 25, 2026, surrounded by family in Topeka, Kansas. She was a cherished woman known for her sweetness, simple living, and unwavering support for those she loved.

Marlene graduated from Westport High School with the class of 1964. She dedicated twenty-five years of her life working for King Radio/Allied/Bendix-King and Dollar General in her later years, demonstrating steadfast commitment and reliability in her career. On April 28, 1973, she married Ralph Garland in Kansas City, Missouri. Their marriage endured for thirty-five years until his passing on February 12, 2008.

As a devoted mother and grandmother, Marlene was most proud of her family and enjoyed watching her son and grandson play a variety of sports through the years including basketball, tennis, baseball and hockey. She also enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals in her free time.

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved son Jeff Garland (Rachelle), grandson Brenden Garland (Mariah), great-grandchildren Cale Garland and McKinnon Garland all of Topeka; three brothers Ron McLinden and Garry McLinden both of Kansas City, Missouri, and Mark McLinden of Boulder, Colorado.

A visitation in honor of Marlene’s memory will be held on March 31, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Dengel & Son Mortuary located at 235 S Hickory St, Ottawa, Kansas. A graveside service will follow on April 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Highland Cemetery, 1050 East 15th Street, Ottawa, Kansas.

Marlene will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her dedication to family, and the sweetness that touched all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength and the warmth of a loving heart. Those privileged to know her will carry her memory with deep respect and affection.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marlene’s memory to Midland Care Hospice House, 200 SW Frazier Cir., Topeka, Kansas 66606 or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 47777, New York, JY 10163.

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