Marlene Ann Beadling

Marlene was born on June 1, 1951, in Youngstown, Ohio. She graduated from Poland High School and received her cosmetology license shortly thereafter. During high school, she participated in a foreign exchange program in Argentina, where she lived with three local families and became fluent in Spanish—a skill she would use and cherish throughout her life.

On July 31, 1971, Marlene married the love of her life, Thomas Kerr Beadling, at Poland Catholic Church. Together they built a life filled with adventure, family, and shared passions.

Marlene began her career as a hairdresser while her children were in primary school. Her professional journey later took many exciting turns. She served as a flight attendant for American Airlines and became an educator and sales trainer for several brands associated with the Estée Lauder Corporation, as well as Jurlique. She was also the proud owner of her own business, Simplicity of Selling. Marlene had a true gift for teaching and inspiring others, and she was known as both an exceptional trainer and a passionate brand advocate. She was also a fierce negotiator – something anyone who sat across the table from her would readily agree with.

Marlene embraced life wholeheartedly. If there was an adventure to be had, she wanted to be part of it. She and Tom traveled extensively, visiting Hawaii, Costa Rica, Puerto Vallarta, Belize, and Spain. She also traveled to Australia to visit the farms for Jurlique – it was a memorable trip for her. However, her favorite destinations were Maui, Hawaii, and Sedona, Arizona. Marlene and Tom even shared a special connection to Hawaii through their timeshare there.

She had a deep love for nature, including both plants and animals. Over the years, Marlene and Tom cared for many beloved pets. She found great joy in gardening, transforming her backyard into a personal paradise, and especially loved watching and listening to the birds who visited daily. One of her favorite birds was the hummingbird. She had feeders for them throughout the back yard that she kept filled religiously. Hummingbirds are tiny but mighty symbols of joy and beauty – a description that could be used for Marlene as well.

Marlene rarely sat still. She was always on the move—biking and hiking in her younger years and later walking eight or more miles at a time. She and Tom hiked to the top of Humphrey’s Peak (elevation 12,635 feet) in the mountains near Flagstaff as well as to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. She had a remarkable talent for interior decorating; every home she touched looked professionally designed. She could envision beauty and bring it to life. Fashion was another of her passions. Whether she was heading to Target or attending a formal dinner, Marlene was always impeccably dressed and effortlessly stylish.

Above all, Marlene was an incredible person. Even in difficult times, she chose to focus on the positive. Those who knew her will remember her energy, strength, optimism, and zest for life.

Marlene is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas Beadling; her daughters, Lisa Gheen and Christine Beadling; her son-in-law, Ed Gheen; her beloved grandchildren, Austin and Abby; her sister, Marilynn Stephens; her nieces and nephews, Ashley Conger, Brooke Russell, and Grayson Stephens; and her dear friend and sister-in-law, Judy Neville.

In honor of Marlene, the family will host a Celebration of Life party. Please reach out to us for more details.

Marlene lived fully, loved deeply, and left a lasting imprint on all who were fortunate enough to know her. She is and will forever be missed.