Marlene Louise Grounds

Marlene Louise Grounds, age 86, of Denison, Texas passed away on Sunday May 13, 2018 at Stone Brook Assisted Living in Denison, Texas. Marlene was born Friday April 8, 1932 in Morris, IL to Viola June (Briddick) Thorson and Lester Thorson.

Marlene married George Elijah Grounds on April 8, 1959. They lived in Virginia and Van Alstyne before settling in Denison, Texas. She was George’s caregiver for many years prior to his death in 1994.

Marlene was very active and was the life of the party when it came to decorating for the holidays. Her favorite holiday was Halloween. Marlene's house on the corner was the highlight of the neighborhood, and was completely decked out in Halloween fashion. She would draw more than 200 kids on Halloween night alone. Her Halloween legacy went on for years, as she saw those children that grew up, bring their own children back to her neighborhood.

Her other interests included collecting Barbie dolls, baby dolls, angels and anything Elvis. She met him as a young woman, and developed a lifelong love of Elvis memorabilia.

In 2013 she went to live at Stone Brook Assisted Living, where she fell in love with the other residents and her caregivers. The Stone Brook staff took great care of Marlene and she enjoyed five years with them. Her favorite activities included resident trips to Choctaw Casino, where she usually came home with their money. At Stone Brook, she was active with weekly bingo, often winning, as well as participating in the many activities available. She loved the monthly family days with live music and food.

Visitation for Marlene will be 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Wednesday May 16, 2018 at Bratcher Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 10:00 am, Thursday May 17, 2018 at Cedarlawn Memorial Park in Sherman, Texas with Guardian Hospice Chaplain Mike Hermanson officiating.

Marlene is survived by her sister Madelaine Angelico & husband Ralph of Marseilles, Illinois; guardian Paula Gurak & husband John of Longmont, Colorado, numerous nieces, nephews and many friends she made along the way. She is also survived by a very special friend, Diane Nix with whom she spent many an hour laughing and cutting up at Stone Brook.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband George Grounds; a sister Sherrill Butterfield and a niece Tony (Angelico) Spires.

The family would like to recognize and thank the Stone Brook family and caregivers for their wonderful care the last five years, as well as the Park Avenue Church of Christ for their fellowship every Sunday without fail. Also sincerest appreciation goes out to Guardian Hospice for their unfailing care, especially Talia, Courtney, and Christy your amazing care gave everyone outstanding peace of mind.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bratcherfuneralhome.com for the Grounds family. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to a charity of choice in Marlene's honor.