Marlene Gary

A mother’s love is a blessing.

No matter where you roam,

Keep her while you have her.

You’ll miss her when she’s gone.

Marlene, 89, of Shep, TX, passed away on November 21, 2023, with her 2 daughters by her side.

Marlene was born on May 7, 1934 in Sherman, TX, to Raymond Thomas and Novis Easley Thomas. She graduated from R.L. Paschal High School in Fort Worth.

Marlene met and married Billy Jack Gary of Junction and Buffalo Gap, TX. They were wed on December 24, 1951 in Fort Worth.

Although Marlene’s main occupation was homemaker, she worked side by side with her husband in every aspect of their lives, be it ranching, home construction, or freight delivery. She was always working, but she was always available to make the children in her life happy. After her husband passed, she spent her time among her beloved antiques, running her own shop.

In her spare time, which was rare as she was always busy taking care of others, Marlene enjoyed reading, sewing, gardening, collecting arrowheads and antiques, refinishing, and upholstering furniture, and redecorating and painting her house.

Marlene was preceded in death, 2 days prior, by her eldest son, Bill Gary of Midlothian, her husband Bill Gary of Goldsboro in 2007, her sister Radene Tadlock of Fort Worth, and her 2 parents.

Marlene is survived by: son Odis Gary and wife Julie of Fort Worth, daughter Jacquelene Gary of Noodle, TX, daughter Kayleen Lavene and husband Jim of Shep, son Jason Gary and wife Beth of Minnesota; Six Grandchildren: Brittany Gary and husband Justin Ring of New York, Lauren Lavene of Coppell, Landon Lavene of Durango, Colorado, Megan Gary of Dallas, Meagan Demos of Phoenix, and Jarod Knisley of Colorado; Six Great-Grandchildren: Sawyer Jamison Lavene of Coppell, Billy Rose Gary of New York, Ryder Bell of Phoenix, Brock Demos and Ada Demos of Phoenix, and Lyndon Knisley of Colorado; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Mama will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. Words can never express what she meant to us. We were blessed beyond words to have had her.

Memorial service will be held December 30, at the home of Odis Gary, 221 W. Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, TX.

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