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Marlene Anne (Shope) Beckel, 91, formerly of Altoona, passed away Oct. 23, 2023.
She was a daughter of the late Marshal C. and Hazel A. Shope; the beloved wife of Norman Francis Beckel Jr. for over 70 years; loving mother of David (Carrie) Beckel, Deborah (Jacqueline Stauffer) Beckel, Carol Beckel and the late Norman Francis Beckel III and daughter-in-law, Crystal Beckel; proud grandmother of Laura Beckel, David Beckel Jr. and Annie (Jonny) Zahner; dear great-grandmother of Maren Zahner; dearest sister of Dolores Stuckey, Sylvia (Daniel) Snyder, Marshall (Donna) Shope Jr., Cynthia Shope and Linda (Daniel) Knouse; and dear sister-in-law, aunt and friend to many.
Preceding her in death were siblings: Alene May, Susan Thomas and Marcella Shope.
Marlene graduated from Altoona High School in 1950.
She was a member of the skating club, intramural sports, girl's league social services, hall patrol and completed courses in business education.
She enjoyed roller skating and playing softball as a teen.
After graduation, she was a member of Altoona High School Alumni Society.
Marlene worked at Sylvania after high school, which helped to support her and her husband until the completion of his degree from Penn State University in 1958. Marlene graduated from Faith Bible Institute with her Bible College Diploma in 2009.
She enjoyed painting, sewing, crocheting, reading mysteries and trivia, especially Jeopardy. Marlene often donated her afghans to unwed mothers and veterans, as well as gifting them to many family and friends.
Marlene spent many hours with her children at school activities and athletics. She volunteered for school parties, library duty and as a Girl Scout Leader. Marlene loved listening to classical music and attending musical performances. She was well known for her Christmas sugar cookies and enjoyed watching her grandchildren dunk them in mugs of milk. She was delighted to receive hugs from her great-granddaughter.
Friends were received from 4 until the 6 p.m. memorial service Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin.
Private inurnment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Missouri Baptist Children's Home; or The Salvation Army.
Friends may sign the family's online guestbook at Schrader.com.