Marlene Yvonne Ridgway

She leaves behind, to carry her precious memory, her son Kevin (Alison) and their family Shane (Amy), Esmae, Freya & Levi; Jacquelynn (Dustin) and their daughter, Autumn; Dylan (Emma); and Bryson; daughter Colleen (Michael) and their family Brayden (Hunter), Carter (Olivia) and Shelby (Levi); and daughter Glenda and her son Kaden. She also leaves behind brothers Maurice (Bev) and Wayne (Shelley) and brother-in-law Ken (Phyllis) along with many nieces and nephews, other family and friends.

Marlene was predeceased by her beloved husband Glen; mother Laurean and stepfather Leo Defoe; father Durward and stepmother Violet Lukenbill; brothers and sisters Myrtle, Don, Gordon, Ivan, Durward, Lorraine, Dot & Mervin and many much-loved in-laws; and great grandsons Ezra & Isaac along with other extended family members.

Marlene was raised in Swan River and eventually on a farm outside of Minitonas, Manitoba where she learned many homemaking skills and how to care for farm animals – even the geese who liked to chase her. She continued her education to Grade 8, the highest level taught at the one-room school near the farm. At 15, she moved to Alberta with her brother, Durward, and his family and eventually at 17, worked at Kresge’s diner next to the RCMP detachment where she met her soulmate, Glen. The two married on the coldest day of the year - November 14, 1959 after Glen moved from the RCMP to the Calgary City Police. Glen called her a “natural born mother” when their son, Kevin, was born in February of 1961 and Colleen in November of 1962. In 1966 they were given the opportunity to make another change and move to the McDougall (Glen’s mother’s side of the family) family farm in Colgate, Saskatchewan. Their third child, Glenda, was born in 1968. Marlene became a farmer’s wife with all its’ varied tasks from cooking, baking, gardening, herding cattle, driving tractors and grain trucks, doing moisture tests, running to town for parts, looking after sick calves that convalesced in her basement and parenting three kids that were involved in sports and 4-H. Marlene also took local classes in sewing, upholstery, flower arranging, painting and furniture refinishing. In 1985 she returned to the workforce, for a few years, as a parent aide for the Department of Social Services and in 1992 she completed her Grade 12 by correspondence which was a proud achievement for her.

She built many memories with her family through their daily chores, attending church each Sunday, attending kids’ sports and through many family trips to stay in touch with their numerous family and friends, which were spread across British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. Marlene enjoyed travelling and visited many places with her husband around the world.

She became an active member of the Order of Eastern Star holding the title of Grand Treasurer for the province of Saskatchewan for a number of years. She performed visitations to nursing homes to deliver communion for many years and she also attended many RCMP Veteran’s association functions with her husband.

Marlene’s legacy is one of unconditional deep, love and devotion to her husband and her children, her very cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made chosen family out of many of their friends, children’s friends and her caregivers.

A Visitation took place on August 14, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Fletcher Funeral home in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. The Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn Saskatchewan with Pastor Victoria Mwamasika officiating.

For those unable to attend the service in person, a livestream/recording of the service will remain available at Marlene’s Memorial site at the Fletcher Funeral Chapel Website.

Interment at a later date at Hillcrest Cemetery, Columbarium, Weyburn, Saskatchewan.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors on Marlene’s medical team including those at Pasqua Palliative Care and the Allan Blair Clinic as well as her loving and wonderful care aides from All Ways Caring in Regina.

Donations in memory of Marlene can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan and/or WeyStrong S.E. Sask. Cancer Support Group (11 Hartney Bay, Weyburn, SK S4H 0M1).

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