Marlene Weigel Beecher

Marlene Weigel Beecher, 79, passed away in Show Low Arizona, June 10th, 2010 following a long term illness. Marlene was born May 22, 1931 in Hoyleton, Illinois to Howard H. and Edwina K. (Donaldson) Weigel. After attending Southwestern University in Memphis Tennessee for two years, Marlene earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Missouri as well as a second Bachelor and Master of Education degree from Utah State University. In California she directed an adult special education program and her heart was always close to helping those physically and mentally challenged. Marlene also taught elementary school in Bear River City, UT, Utah for many years. Teaching her students about the joy of reading and the wonders of science and nature gave her particular joy. Marlene also greatly enjoyed her teaching of Native American elementary students at the Navajo Nation in Tsaile, Arizona. She always instilled in her students the importance of social responsibility, empathy and reliance on their inner creativity. The world will surely be a better and kinder place because of her contributions as a teacher. Marlene was also an honored member of the Franciscan Order of the Roman Catholic Church because of her long time commitment to helping those less fortunate. Many will remember her baking bread for weeks on end and distributing them to needy families through the Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Logan, Utah. Marlene has resided in Arizona since her retirement and enjoyed her time gardening, reading, and the calm serenity of the Red Rock country she so loved. She is survived by her six children, Stephen P. Beecher, Huntington Beach, CA, Becky L. Beecher Valdez, Logan, UT, Michael H. Beecher, Las Vegas, NV, Jennifer S. Beecher, Nesoya, Norway, William W. Beecher, Logan, UT and Teresa M. Beecher, Show Low, AZ, and her 11 grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Don Weigel, Pawleys Island, SC. A memorial is available at www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com "Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." - Rumi We will all miss you and your kind spirit dearly Marlene.