Marlene Lucas Baarz loving wife, mother sister, grandma, and friend passed away peacefully looking at the love of her life on Halloween, October 31, 2026. She had been surrounded by many friends and family the past week.

Marlene was born with her "womb mate" Michael on December 22, 1940, to Joseph Ford Lucas and Lilly May Stebbins in Spanish Fork, Utah. Marlene lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her stepmom Idona Lucas. Marlene spent her childhood roaming Spanish Fork, riding horses with her family, and was considered one of the guys. She graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1959.

Marlene married Robert Kenneth Curtis. They became parents to Kenneth and Kyle Curtis, later divorced.

Marlene met and married the love of her life Ronald Helge Baarz on March 22, 1968, in Elko, Nevada. They made their home with Kenneth and Kyle in Midvale, Utah. Marlene and Ron finished their family unit when Bryan Baarz was born. They have spent 58 fun -filled years together.

Marlene was always a hard worker. She worked for Safeway, Valley Bank, Bank One and Chase Bank. After she retired from the bank, she did book-keeping for Nuttall Bernina to help her fund her sewing passion.

Marlene was a tremendous seamstress. No task or pattern was too big for her she was called on by several to help with sewing needs. She loved to make quilts and bags. She loved sewing with her family.

Mom loved music. She had an eclectic taste in music.She loved to hum, sing, and listen to easy listening even up until her death.

Marlene was a meticulous saver. She always would hide cash in random places and be surprised to find it later. She loved a good joke and was always coming up with sarcastic comments to make us all laugh.

Marlene and Ron were world travelers up until the last few years. They went to Hawaii, Alaska, Paris, Canada, Mt. Rushmore, and many other places to see the sights and travel together.

Marlene loved getting together with "The '59ers" which was a group that has stuck together since they graduated from Spanish Fork High School.

Marlene is survived by her husband Ron, sons Kenneth Curtis (Stephanie), Kyle Curtis (Robyn), Bryan Baarz (Aimee), Elaine Cummins (sister), 15 grandchildren, 10 great- grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her stepmother Idona Lucas, her brothers, LaMont Gingerich, Michael J Lucas, Ivan R Lucas, Sister Karen Hair, and two stepsisters, Janet Warden, Carol Davis and grandson, Brandon Curtis.

Funeral Services will be as follows:
Viewing will be Tuesday, November 3 rd from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at the Mapleton 27 th Ward Chapel located at 1068 South 1600 West, Mapleton, Utah 84664. The funeral will be on Wednesday, November 4 th at the Mapleton 27 th Ward Chapel at Noon, with a viewing
from 10:45 – 11:45 AM just prior to the service. Interment will be at the Spanish Fork Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at Utah Valley Regional Hospital, Maple Landing Assisted Living, and Applegate Hospice for their service and loving dedication to our wife and mom this last week.