Marlene Frieda S. Bown passed away on July 31, 2026. She was born on March 22, 1937, to Frederick H. Schmidt and Frieda B. Schmidt in Salt Lake City, Utah. Marlene married Jesse Clinton Bown Jr. on August 20, 1962.

Family was always what mattered most to Marlene, whether it be the love she had for her parents, her sisters, her beloved husband Clint, or her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Marlene retired from Mountain Fuel Supply Company as a customer service representative, where she received many compliments from customers who said she was courteous, efficient, and sweet. While working in her department, she made some very good friends and treasured those relationships immensely.

After Marlene retired, she took care of her grandchildren, Auden and Isabelle, where she was once again able to experience a second motherhood. There was the excitement of setting up the crib and having baby things scattered around the home again. It was Marlene’s little piece of heaven, being able to take care of her grandbabies.

Marlene was also extremely artistic and creative and enjoyed doing ceramics for many years, creating beautiful dolls, figurines, and Christmas decorations. The skill she used when painting their delicate facial features and lashes was so precise that other doll makers would ask her to paint the faces on the dolls they were working on. Without a doubt, Marlene’s dolls were as beautiful as the original antique bisque dolls painted by the exceptional artists of that time. Her talent for creating such beauty in her dolls and figurines was simply exquisite.

Marlene was also an excellent cook. She loved all the holidays, especially Christmas, when she would lovingly decorate her home and then prepare an absolutely delicious meal for her family to enjoy as they gathered around the dining room table to share stories, past memories, and simply have a good time being together. Marlene’s home was a magical place during the holidays, where for a moment you could leave your troubles behind you.

We still can’t believe our sweet Mom has left us. She was truly the matriarch of our family. She fought the battle of her life, trying to stay with her family as long as she could. But we know without a doubt Marlene is once again with her beloved husband Clint, who loved her so much, and her son Michael, as well as her parents and her sister Gerda. We will miss you so much, and we will hold you in our hearts and think of you every day.

Special thanks to Dr. Lisa Kuwahara for her care and compassion and Dr. Brian Whisenant for giving Mom some extra time on this earth.

Marlene is survived by her children, Jessica Nottingham and Larry Bown (Savittrey); seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Evelyn Petersen (Victor) and Adeline “Eddie” Mosher (Cameron). She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Gerda Smith; her dearest husband, Clint; and her son, Michael.

Marlene will be remembered at a service and interment at City View Mortuary, 1001 E. 11th Ave., Salt Lake City, Utah, on Friday, August 14, 2026. Visitation will be from 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. and funeral services at 12:00 p.m.