Marlene Louise Chavis

Marlene was born on October 2, 1951, in Sidney, Nebraska, to her parents Edgar and Joyce Bennett, where she spent her childhood barrel racing and enjoying a passion and love for animals – especially horses.

Her life was defined by hard work, dedication, and purpose, which she instilled in her children. She was a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina and enjoyed a long and successful career as a manager in human resources. Throughout her career, she was known for her integrity, dedication, and her passion for being an advocate for those who needed one. Upon her retirement from Eagle Aviation in 1996, she dedicated her time, passion, and energy to realizing her lifelong dream of owning her own horse farm.

For the next 30 years, Haven Hill Farms grew into a place of joy, learning, and love. Through the farm, Marlene shared her deep love and passion for horses by providing riding lessons, training, boarding, and hosting weddings, birthday parties, as well as 4-H events for children. She especially enjoyed watching the children learn, love, and enjoy what she called “becoming one with the horse.” Truly, she found her greatest happiness realizing her dream of the farm and watching it grow, along with her family, her animals, and friends.

Marlene was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, John Steven Chavis; her children, Glenn Lee McKinney, Ricki Kay McNahan, Jennifer Ann Passmore; and her grandchildren, J.R. Passmore Jr., Cole Hudson Passmore, Kendra Annarose McKinney, and Kameron Lee McKinney.

Marlene will be remembered for her love of animals, tremendous strength, generous heart, and the dedication and passion she brought to everything she did. Marlene’s legacy lives on in her family, her life’s passion, which is Haven Hill Farms, and in the countless lives she touched along the way. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A private memorial service will be held for family and friends. In honor of Marlene’s love for life at the farm and her spirit, guests are encouraged to wear western attire—blue jeans are not only appropriate but welcomed.