Marlene Camille Woods

Mon, 04/29/2024 - 20:25

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Obituaries

Marlene Camille Woods was born August 1, 1932 in Stockton, California, to Harlow and Bessie Magnussen. The first child and eldest daughter; a child of the Great Depression and WWII. Marlene was a true example of the resilient and determined generation that these two events proved to develop.

Throughout early childhood, the family changed schools many times as Harlow sought out a variety of jobs in California and Nevada in order to support and raise his family. By this time, the family had grown to a family of four with two daughters, Marlene and younger sister, Mana. Marlene was known to make friends very quickly and easily because of her vibrant and vivacious personality. Marlene always made a positive spin to any situation and delighted everyone around her with her wit and charm.

During their childhood, the family lived with three girl cousins for many years. Marlene became a Christian early in life and lived a life with Christ, every day, during the remainder of her time on earth. Marlene was a special prayer warrior for all her loved ones and friends until the very end.

Following WWII, the family moved to Anderson, California, and Marlene met Eugene Woods. Marlene and Eugene were high school sweethearts and were married in Anderson in 1951. Marlene and Eugene had two children, Bruce and Gena.

Marlene and Eugene lived in many places after starting their life together in Anderson, California. They moved to such places as Catesby, Oklahoma, Mt Shasta, California, Edgewood, California, Tipton, Kansas, and finally landed in Arnett, Oklahoma. Marlene adjusted to these new environments very easily, always had an upbeat attitude, and saw the best in every day.

She worked in many different capacities during this time: delivering papers, running their own fabulous motel, starting senior services under the National Older Americans Act for the senior citizens in far northern California. Marlene even drove a school bus and worked in the Walmart fabric department in Woodward, Oklahoma. Last, but certainly not least, Marlene enjoyed her time at the Arnett Senior Center, working and helping others to the very last — always with a smile and a sparkle in her eyes. Marlene was a woman with a pure heart and she spread love to every life she touched. Marlene is preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Woods; her parents, Harlow and Bessie Magnussen; in laws, Stacy and Ellen Woods; beloved brother- in-law, Albert Davis; nephew, Kyle Davis; nephew, Bradley Dawson; sister-in-law, Rita Kolander; and grandson, Corbin Victor Barth.

Marlene is survived by son, Bruce Woods (wife Gaile Woods) of Holdenville; daughter, Gena McPhail of Tahlequah; and sister, Mana Davis of Anderson, California; brother and sisterin- law Anna Mae and Gordon Dawson of Cottonwood, California; and brother-in-law Gary Kolander of Cleburne, Texas; six grandchildren, Tracy and Toni Woods of Cameron Texas, Cory and Mika Woods of Sulphur, Oklahoma, Diane and Stephen McCoy of Holdenville, Oklahoma, Taylor and Derek Schiedel of Claremore, Oklahoma, Hannah and Jeffrey Hamilton of Kopperl, Texas, Brennon Barth of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, and BrynnEllen Barth and Nathan Gibson of Skiatook, Oklahoma; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Marlene’s radiant smile and joyful personality will continue to live through the members of her cherished family and within the memories that all of us hold dear.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, 11:00am, at First Baptist Church, 226 North Main Street, Arnett, Oklahoma.

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