Born on Monday, April 28, 1941, Marlene Ruth Spilker was the youngest daughter of Emma & Bert Spilker of Clay Center, Kansas. After her mother and baby brother passed at a young age, she was raised by Bert and his second wife, Iris, who became an important person in her life along with her oldest sister, Viola.
Marlene graduated from Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas in 1959 and joined the Women’s Army Corps where she was trained as a nurse. After serving her country, she continued her career in nursing, working with several doctors and nursing homes in the Kansas City area. She loved her career and was proud of her service to her country and her patients.
Marlene married Peter Koppe in 1980 and shared 26 years with Peter before his death in 2006. Together they enjoyed travelling and were proud to serve as parents to nine foreign exchange students from Brazil, Germany, Finland, Switzerland and Ecuador. Marlene married Ray Evans in 2014. She and Ray bonded over their military service and she always said that Ray spoiled her. They shared 10 wonderful years together.
The Lord guided Marlene peacefully to eternal rest on April 11, 2024 at the NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Emma & Bert Spilker, baby brother Larry, stepmother Iris Spilker, first husband, Peter Koppe, sister Alberta Chester, and sister Viola Bowman. She is survived by her loving husband Ray Evans, her brother Harold Spilker, her brother Orville (Charlene) Spilker, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
