Marlene Helen Mariani

June 26, 1934 - November 13, 2016

Marlene Helen Mariani of Eureka, Kansas died on Sunday, November 13, 2016, at Greenwood County Hospital in Eureka, at the age of 82. She was born June 26th, 1934 in Salinas, California. She graduated from The University of Southern California in 1956 with a B.S. in Elementary Education. On December 28th, 1957, she was united in marriage to Theodore George Mariani. They moved to Eureka, Kansas in 1958 where they raised their six children. She earned her M.S in Education from Kansas State Teacher’s College in 1968. Marlene earned her Master of Science from Emporia State University in 1980 and her Masters in Educational Administration and Supervision from Wichita State University in 1987. Marlene’s career as an elementary educator for USD 389 spanned 28 years. She taught elementary education with specialties in gifted education and behavior disorders. Marlene also served as a home visitor for Parents as Teachers. Ted preceded her in death on October 30, 2014. She was a member of the Altrurian Club, PEO, Music Club, Sacred Heart Altar Society, Eureka Public Library Board, Eureka Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She is survived by her children, Regina Marshall of Kansas City, Missouri; Elizabeth Mariani-Pitalo (Mike) of Clovis, California; Richard Mariani (Bobbi) of Topeka, Kansas; Cecilia Mariani-McCurry (Matt) of Topeka, Kansas; Catherine Bettis (Troy) of Overland Park, Kansas; her seven grandchildren, Matthew Marshall (Bethany) of Topeka, Kansas; Andrea McGee (Marty) of Lenexa, Kansas; Andrew Mariani of Overland Park, Kansas; Jonathan Mariani of Topeka, Kansas; Michael Mariani of Topeka, Kansas; Bailey Bettis of Overland Park, Kansas; and Joel Bettis of Overland Park, Kansas; and her great-grandchild, Hutson Marshall of Topeka, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Theodore Mariani; her daughter Dr. Mary Mariani; and her brother, Ray Adams. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, November 17, 2016, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eureka with Father Stephen Gronert officiating. Rosary recitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka, Kansas. Visitation hours are set from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Eureka Public Library, Greenwood County Hospital or Sacred Heart Catholic Church-Eureka and left in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 595, Eureka, Kansas 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online at koupfunerals.com.