Marlow J. Ens

Marlow James Ens was born on December 21, 1937, in Bellingham, Washington to Andrew and Lena Ens. A short time later, his family moved to a small farm in Jansen, Nebraska. Finally, the family, which now included four boys and two girls, migrated to Reedley, California in 1947.

His education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Jansen in a class of two and a seventeen-year-old teacher. It continued at Washington School and Reedley College, and was completed with a master’s degree from Fresno State.

After a four-year courtship, Marlow married Rachel (Kruse) in 1960. She would say it was his sense of humor that won her over.

Church was always an important part of life for Marlow. He was part of Reedley Mennonite Brethren when he made a profession of his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized in the Kings River at Reedley Beach.

Marlow began his career with Kings Canyon Unified, first as a bus driver while in college, then as a teacher at Riverview, a special education teacher at Riverview and Grant, and a counselor at Citrus Junior High in Orange Cove. Marlow went on to become the principal at Citrus and then continued that role at Jefferson School in Reedley. Marlow ultimately completed a 38-year career in education.

Marlow grew up in a family of woodworkers and soon developed a lifelong love for creating things with wood. Traveling, camping, hiking, bicycling and time with family were all enjoyed activities.

In some recently conveyed thoughts, Marlow expressed how he had seen God’s faithfulness throughout his years. His relationship with the Lord was always a high priority for him.

A passage from Isaiah 43 carried ongoing meaning for Marlow:

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they

shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through the fire

you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

This is from a man who was long battling failing health, a struggle that continued until the end.

On Good Friday, April 3, 2026, Marlow went home into the presence of God, finally free of his broken body.

Marlow is survived by his wife of 65 years Rachel, his children Tamra (Ens) Mariott and son-in-law Darrin Mariott of Morro Bay and Stanton Ens and daughter-in-law Lisa Ens of Las Vegas, four grandchildren, Quaid Ens, Maison (Ens) Archer and grandson-in-law Shane Archer, Connor Mariott and Mackinley Mariott, three great-grandchildren, Lennox Archer, William Archer and Theo Archer, and one brother Leland Ens.

Marlow was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Lena Ens, sister Laverna (Ens) Pauls, his brothers Donald Ens and Vernon Ens, and his sister Rosalie (Ens) Balakian.

Services will be held on Friday, April 17, at 10:30 am, at Palm Village, 703 W. Herbert St, Reedley, CA 93654. A reception will follow the service in the Community Room.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Reedley Mennonite Church Youth Camp Scholarship Fund, in memory of Marlow Ens. They can be mailed to the Reedley Mennonite Church at 1362 L St, Reedley, CA 93654.