Marlene Smith, 74, of rural Searsboro, went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday morning, Sept. 26, 2025, at Hospice of Pella Comfort House. Funeral services were at 10 a.m., Monday, Sept. 29, at College Avenue Friends Church in Oskaloosa. Burial was in Friends Cemetery in New Sharon. Memorial contributions may be made to College Avenue Friends Church or Hope Ministries.
Marlene (Brubaker) Smith was born May 14, 1951, near Runnells. She grew up in Prairie City, with her parents, Leo and Norma Brubaker, graduating high school with her Class of 1969. Marlene married her husband, Richard C. Smith, in August 1976. She began teaching piano students at the age of 16, teaching over 250 students during her lifetime career. Graduating from Central College in 1985, Marlene taught vocal music and special education in Iowa’s public schools for 25 years.
Marlene’s most fulfilling time was spent sharing her Savior, Jesus Christ, through message of love, grace, and forgiveness in pulpits across central Iowa.
Marlene and Dick’s children are Cindy Lea Richards (deceased 1998), Carey Linn Smith, Kevin Dean (Deana) Wright, Alissa Marie Fenton (deceased 2017), Dennis Richard Smith (deceased 2021); grandchildren Desiree Richards, Dustin Richards, Mary (Jonathan) Landon, Christopher (Kayla) Smith, Tyler (Anna) Buck, Jacob Fenton (deceased 2001), Madison Fenton, Parker Fenton; great-grandchildren Ethan, Nora, Elsie, and Mason Landon; Owen, Emma, and Liam Smith; and Ingrid Buck; sister Noralee (Bob) Warrick; birth father’s family Pam (Dave) Richard, Suesan Ellison, Julie Thompson (and Sadie); birth mother’s family Aunt Pat Northway and her family; niece Julie Hemstreet; and a multitude of sisters and brothers in Christ.
