Marlene Theobald, 94

Marlene Elizabeth Theobald took her final breath in the early morning of August 4 and departed to her eternal home just after her 94th birthday, accompanied by her Lord and Savior.

Marlene lived a life most people only dream of. She traveled on the luxurious Orient Express through Switzerland, Austria, and the Swiss Alps, visited Paris to enjoy champagne beneath the Eiffel Tower, and toasted with a stein of beer in Germany. A hot air balloon ride over the African Serengeti was one adventure she spoke about often, along with the many trips she took with her travel groups, the Nomads and, of course, the Gutsy Grandmas.

Marlene was blessed with the love of her three beautiful daughters, Christi, Debbi, and Kathi, all proudly spelled with an “i,” who, along with their husbands, blessed her with seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Marlene never used the phrase, “I can’t,” because she always could. She never turned down an opportunity to join an adventure.

Her love for animals was evident to everyone. It didn’t matter what kind of creature it was; she loved them all.

We are all going to miss “Granny,” as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren lovingly called her. But we know and believe her adventure will continue as she joins Jesus and the loved ones who went before her, doing the work she was prepared and ready to do.

Love doesn’t have an expiration date.

We will see you again in heaven, my dear mother.