Marlene F. (Hunt) Glass

Marlene F. (Hunt) Glass, 86, Lawrence, passed away peacefully, Saturday, February 15, 2020 at her home. A family gathering and celebration of her life will be held at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Blue Rapids, KS at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2020. A family and friends celebration with prayer and song will be held at Marlene’s home – 822 E. 1259 Road, Lawrence, 66047 at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2020.

Marlene was born on the family farm on May 3, 1933 near Blue Rapids, KS, the daughter of William and Wille Hunt and the youngest of 5 children: Jim, Jerry, Billy Jo and Lelah. She married Raymond C. Glass on November 4, 1951 in Blue Rapids, KS. He survives of the home. Together they had three children, David Glass (Teresa), Desoto, KS; Steven Glass (Edwina), Lawrence, KS; and Rayanne Dowell (Steven), Lawrence, KS. Her son Steven preceded her in death. She also loved beyond measure her seven grandchildren: Breana Wendel (Jason), Kala Boswell (Marshall), Fran New (Quentin), Becca Glass, Maddie Glass (Tomek), Jesse Heilman (Winston) and Sam Dowell, along with 4 great grandchildren, Owen Wendel, Augustus and Kalin Boswell and Marcus New.

As a young woman, Marlene was active in 4-H, vocal performance, and was a sought-after vocalist for weddings and funerals. She began singing and harmonizing with her mom and siblings around an old piano on their farm. She also won many 4-H ribbons for her delicious cakes and pies. Her love of singing never ended as she continued to sing in choirs throughout her life; she was a charter member of the Lawrence Civic Choir and sang in the choir at the First Presbyterian Church for 45 years.

Marlene was the Welcome Wagon hostess for many years before starting her own greeting service, Lawrence Welcome, which she co-owned and operated with her daughter, Rayanne, welcoming thousands of families to the Lawrence community. She took immense pride in her work. She was a woman of many talents beyond her baking; she loved to sew, crochet, cross stitch, can, play piano, garden, and play bridge. She was an avid walker, bowler and reader of romantic novels and mysteries. She raised beautiful peonies in her yard and put up quarts of frozen applesauce and cherries every year. She was also a recovered alcoholic and dedicated to helping others struggling with addiction through Alcoholics Anonymous for over 35 years. She loved being near the water and she and Ray enjoyed taking their grandchildren tubing. It wasn’t uncommon for her to tube along with them! She loved yearly fishing trips with her favorite brother Jerry and favorite sister-in-law Helen.

She was always busy with her hands, doing the many things that brought her joy, until December 2010 when she had a massive stroke that brought emotional & physical pain and immense daily challenges for the rest of her life. Her devoted husband, Ray never wavered in his care and commitment, and was always by her side. After her stroke she enjoyed birdwatching from her favorite spot at the kitchen table – (especially her beloved cardinals!), seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, listening to her favorite music, getting the best hugs from her only grandson, Sam, taking great-grandson Owen for rides on her power wheelchair, feeding Daisy the golden retriever under the table, and singing old favorites with her granddaughter, Jesse, on the guitar. Although she will be missed, it is her family’s great hope that she is now able to enjoy all the things she loved. Our heartfelt gratitude to the Visiting Nurses Association who helped Marlene during her final days and especially to Deidre who lovingly helped with her care for several years.

To share a memory or post a condolence please visit warrenmcelwain.com.

6 Condolences

  1. Wendy Wyatt on February 18, 2020 at 11:44 am

    Sending so much love to the Glass family. Marlene has always been there for me. I have known her since I was at least 2-years-old as I am lucky enough to call her daughter Rayanne – a life long best friend. Marlene could be stern – but if she had your back – as she did mine – you had nothing to fear. She raised an amazing, loving and kind daughter in Rayanne. And now Rayanne & her husband Steve have followed in her footsteps and their 2 children – Jesse and Sammy – are as kind and loving as their mama and they are following in Marlene’s footsteps by creating and teaching music to the world. I will always remember Marlene with love in my heart. Sending love to Marlene’s husband Ray as well. He always has a smile and a joke but I know that this is a tender and tough time for him as it is for the entire family. Love all of you so much. – Wendy Wyatt



  2. Dana on February 19, 2020 at 9:09 am

    I want to send hugs and love to Ray, Rayanne, Jesse and family. I, too, was blessed enough to give Marlene hugs as she sat at her favorite spot at the kitchen table in her post-stroke days.

    What a strong woman! She seemed to be at peace and have a strong will to carry on even though she wasn’t able to participate in her favorite hobbies and talents. A very smart woman with beautiful eyes and a great smile — she made me feel loved, welcomed and accepted even though we barely knew each other. I loved and respected the perseverance Marlene had in life overcoming alcoholism, a stroke, and being strong during her challenging times in life.

    I have been blessed to know the (Rayanne) Dowell family and meet several other family members that all began with Marlene and Ray. What a wonderful family! Marlene and Ray have done a fabulous job taking care of each other over decades and contributing to the world many top-notch, high-quality, loving and talented people. Marlene has truly made my world a better place by bringing Rayanne and her family into this world.

    I wish miss visiting her in Rayanne’s kitchen. I pray that Ray and the family will feel peace and love in their hearts. ❤️

    Dana



  3. Alex N on February 19, 2020 at 10:47 pm

    Marlene was so polite to me whenever I saw her.
    She will be missed on my trips to the house.

    Lots of love from Toby and Alex



  4. Nancy Jaeger on February 20, 2020 at 10:08 am

    Ray:
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Marlene was a true inspiration to so many and I’m sure you will see her again. God be with you! Nancy



  5. Kathy Burkley on February 21, 2020 at 7:28 am

    Rayanne as I read these wonderful comments about your Mom I now understand where your model was for that kind and loving heart of yours. My Kansas family was and still is blessed by those attributes. I’m so sorry for your loss as it’s never easy to be without our Moms, regardless of our age. I doubt that you could have been a better daughter. She is at peace and I hope in time you and your family will get past the deep pain of your loss and enjoy all the good memories of a lifetime with her.



  6. Larry K. McElwain on February 22, 2020 at 8:02 am

    To Marlene’s family, you know how warm and talented Marlene was. We had the privilege to work with her for many years as the Welcome Wagon and later Lawrence Welcome hostess. She helped introduce literally thousands of people/families to selected businesses of Lawrence over at least four decades. I told her several times that she was our “best foot forward” in meeting these people and welcoming them to our community. Her warm personality was perfect for what she was doing and from reading her obituary, a manifestation of her many gifts. I am grateful to Marlene and to Rayanne for their loyalty to our firm and our many staff members over the years. May your grief be softened by many wonderful memories of Marlene. Sincerely, Larry



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