Marlene Inez Watkins passed away peacefully in her home March 3, with her family by her side.

Marlene was born Feb. 9, 1938, to Robert and Catherine Munz in Montesano, Wash. She, her parents and sister  lived in Elma, Wash., until moving to Tacoma, Wash., where Marlene graduated from Stadium High School in 1955. She attended College of Puget Sound in Tacoma.

She was working for the telephone company in Tacoma when she met the love of her life, Richard Watkins. Richard and Marlene eloped to San Francisco, Calif., and were married Jan. 17, 1957. While living in San Francisco, they welcomed three beautiful girls, Catherine, Susan, and Sharon.

Marlene and Richard moved with their girls to Burns in 1964. Richard had a job at the local radio station KRNS, and Marlene began working at Safeway. She began working at US Bank in 1965, and was employed there for 11 years. While working at the bank, she met her lifelong friend, Bonnie Smith, whom she loved dearly. Marlene and Richard purchased the Palace Cafe in Burns in 1976.

Marlene loved her family, home, and gardening. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their friends. She was always up for a game of any kind, including cards, board games or Nintendo. Many hours were spent laughing and playing. Marlene was an avid reader, loved music, loved to knit, crochet, and do needlepoint.

Marlene is survived by her husband of 63 years, Richard Watkins; sister, Julie Cunningham (Jerry) of Puyallup, Wash.; children, Catherine Petersen of Richland, Wash., Susan Hughes (Edgar) of Summerville, and Sharon Wagner of Burns; grandchildren, Amanda Bunger, Jim Wagner, Jennifer Shepherd, Chelsea Cassens, Emma Powning, Caleb Hughes, and Cameron Petersen; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Catherine Munz; baby brother, Bobby; and grandson, Trevor Petersen.

At Marlene’s request, there will be no public service. Contributions in her memory may be made to Harney County Hospice in Burns.