Marlene Wade Lyons

Marlene Wade Lyons, 92, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025.   Born on September 27, 1933, in Ogden, Utah, Marlene dedicated her life to her family and her faith, and she was loved by all who knew her.

Marlene was raised on a farm in Pleasant View, Utah. She milked cows, excelled in school, went to church weekly, and lived a happy childhood surrounded by a loving family and friends.

Marlene had a love and incredible talent for music.  As a teenager, she sang with her sisters, once coming in first place—to the Osmond Brothers’ second—in a competition..  She sang tenor for the Harmonettes, an a capella quartet that performed at church, fairs, and on the radio.  Marlene wrote and produced several award-winning roadshows for her congregations in Scottsdale and  Mesa. Well into her 80’s, Marlene wrote special songs for children. Her love of music brought great joy not just to her, but to those fortunate enough to hear her sing, play the piano, and produce musicals.

It was music that brought her together with the love of her life, John Lyons. They met while Marlene was working in music production at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. They settled in Arizona, where Marlene put John through law school.  She spent her adult life devoted to John and to raising their three children.  She taught them her love of music, devotion to others, and most of all, love for the Savior.

A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Marlene served in many church callings. From 1991 to 1994, Marlene and John served together as mission leaders in the Philippines San Fernando Mission. Their missionaries loved her, and she loved them, and this was reflected in the visits from those missionaries that continued for decades after their service ended. Aside from church service, Marlene spent countless hours caring for friends, making crafts, sending cards, preparing meals, and in endless devotion to uplifting others.

Marlene is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John; parents, Mac and Fay Wade; brother, Kent; and sister, Patricia Soni. Marlene is survived by her sisters, Jeri Kap and Dyan Ellebracht; her children, Michael (Shari), Suzanne Rauch (Jim), and Richard; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 25th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1150 E. Guadalupe, Gilbert, AZ 85234. A viewing will be held from 9AM to 11AM with a service at 11:30AM.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.