Marlene A. Barton

Marlene Ann (Chopp) (Taylor) Barton was born on January 13, 1938 in Belleville, Kansas to Glenn and Libbie (Fiala) Chopp of rural Narka, Kansas.  She was their most treasured daughter.  She departed this life peacefully on February 14 at Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 85 years.

Before attending Bethlehem school, Marlene had to first learn to speak English, as Czech was the predominant language in their home.  Her Grandpa Chopp paid the teacher to tutor Marlene that summer.  She graduated from Narka High School in May 1956.  After having met Darrel Taylor, a dashing young man from Narka’s rival school, Mahaska, the two fell in love and were united in marriage on September 2, 1956.  Darrel and Marlene were blessed beyond measure with three beautiful daughters:  Pamela, Kathleen, Diane.

Once Diane was born, Marlene was hired as bookkeeper for the Hess Oil Company in Mahaska.  In 1970, she began her employment at USD 221.  She continued as clerk of the Board of Education for the district until it was consolidated with Washington in 2006, having served the district for 36 years. During that time, Marlene touched many lives. She counseled, she cheered, she guided, she hugged and loved many students, parents, administrators, teachers and staff members. Since that time, she has continued to show her love and support to all who’ve been lucky enough to cross paths with her.  She truly was a Mom and Bubie to so many.

To help sustain Mahaska and surrounding communities, Marlene and Darrel purchased the local grocery store and transformed it into The Flying Cob Cafe.  By this time, Pam and Kathy were able to run the cafe during the summer months.  Marlene began making her now infamous long johns during their cafe owning tenure.  People would come from near and far for one of her long johns.  

Marlene lost her handsome cardinal, Darrel, in 1987 to cancer.  She was heart-broken.  When she least expected it, who should come riding in to sweep her off her feet but Black Bart (aka Richard Barton), that ornery cowboy from Nebraska. It’s no surprise that Marlene was lucky in love… twice.

Marlene was an active member of the Mahaska Presbyterian Church, where she was the organist for over 50 years.  She was a member of the local ladies pinochle group, playing monthly until it was disbanded. The legacy of the long johns continued as Mahaska Propane became the gathering place for ladies (and gents too) on Thursday morning “Chit Chat”!  What a camaraderie for friends, family, and farming (and anyone else).  She was an active member of the Narka Bible Study, a 4-H sewing project leader, and she led the Mahaska Merrymakers to square dance regional titles!  While remaining faithful to two husbands, she also loved “her Bill” (Self) and watching the KU Jayhawks basketball games. She enjoyed watching all sports, but cheering for the Chiefs and the Royals were right there at the top!  

Marlene grew up farming with her dad, so gardening became a natural pastime for her.  She enjoyed her vegetables and her flowers too spending much of her time outside.  During the winter months, she spent her time watching Hallmark movies or forgotten westerns while stitching up some beautiful handcrafted items.  If you received one of these, you know how much care and love were sewn into each.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Libbie, her husband Darrel and her husband Richard.  She will be forever lovingly remembered by her daughters:  Pamela (Kirk) Gallion, Mahaska, Kansas, Kathleen Taylor (Tony Nemec), Overland Park, Kansas, and Diane (Lyle) Thompson of Washington, Kansas.  Grandchildren:  Lindsay (CJ) Mettlen, Wilson, Kansas, Tahra (Jared) Zenger, Shelby (Colter) Brzon, Tosha (Travis) Smith, all of Haddam, Kansas, Taylor Thompson (Skylar Constable), Minneapolis, Kansas, and Cole Thompson, Overland Park, Kansas.  Great-grandchildren:  Banks Mettlen, Jocelyn and Forrest Zenger, Brevin and Jaelynn Huckett, Kohen and Kathryn Jo Smith, Oliver and Evelyn Constable, and Briar Brzon.  She will be missed by a plethora of family and friends.

Live today because tomorrow is not promised.

Funeral Services will be Monday, February 20, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Mahaska, burial will follow at the Mahaska City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 19, from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, with family greeting friends from 2pm – 4pm, at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home.

Memorials are requested to the Mahaska Presbyterian Church or the Mahaska Community Center, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting Marlene’s family with these arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com