|
Sadly, we have been informed that our classmate, Marlys Kleck, has recently passed away. Marlys was a great friend to so many, may her memory be a blessing.
It is with great sadness that we share with our family and friends that our beloved Marlys has returned home to the presence of her Heavenly Father. She passed away, December 8, 2022, in Tempe, Maricopa, Arizona, from cancer, but left us as she lived, on her own terms, her faith seeing her through her last days.
Marlys Rae Kleck, born February 28, 1951, in Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona, to Betty Rae Murrell and Neil Kleck. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a love for ancient Egypt, classic movies, antiques, anything art deco and ask anyone; she outdid herself every Halloween. She lived her life full of service, often sacrificing her comfort for many in need. Her family and friends knew of her quirkiness and loved her for it because it always came with the most fun and creative surprises. Marlys will live on in her family as we continue to search the Christmas tree each year for the pickle and as the prize opening her special Auntie M box.
Marlys is survived by her sisters, Denise Pond (Lamar), and Cheryl Hubbard (Doug), plus an abundance of nieces and nephews and many well-loved friends she considered family.
We know there was a great reunion in heaven with her beloved dad and perhaps even a horseback ride with her Grandpa Kleck. We do know that at the head of the crowd waiting to greet Marlys were hundreds of 4-legged feline kiddos she cared for throughout the years.
We love you forever and ever Marlys and we’ll miss you something awful. We’ll try and wait patiently for our joyful reunion.
A private family memorial has been held,and Marlys' ashes have been scattered in the ossuary memorial garden at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 719 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/phoenix-az/marlys-kleck-11057344
|
Robyn Unwin (Wright)
MARLYS HAS BEEN A GREAT FRIEND TO MANY AND MOST OF US FROM GRAND AVENUE KINDERGARTEN 66 YEARS AGO! OUR SMALL NEIGHBORHOOD WAS VERY CLOSE KNIT AND ACTIVE AND THE WHOLE KLECK FAMILY WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN MANY ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING THE "LAST HARRAH" REUNION BEFORE GRAND AVENUE SCHOOL WAS TORN DOWN. MARLYS WAS IN MRS. HAZELETT'S CAMP FIRE GIRLS GROUP FROM 2ND GRADE TO 8TH AND NOW MANY OF THOSE 14 GIRLS ARE STILL KEEPING IN TOUCH, BY EMAILS, AND FROM THE WEST HIGH REUNIONS. MANY OF YOU SAW HER AT THE 50TH REUNION! MARLYS WAS IN MS. POORE'S CHOIR, AND SHE WAS ALSO ACTIVE WITH HER MORMAN CHURCH. SHE BECAME A POPULAR BEAUTICIAN AND FOR A WHILE HAD HER OWN BEAUTY SALON AT THE END OF OUR OLD BAYLESS SHOPPING AREA ON 19TH AVE. SHE WAS EXTREMELY PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING TO FEED STRAY CATS AND SOME DOGS. SHE NEVER MARRIED BUT THE OHH SO MANY CATS WERE HER "CHILDREN" AND LOVE. SHE WAS ALWAYS SO KIND AND ABOVE AND BEYOND FRIENDLY TO ALL, SOMETIMES GIVING SURPRISE GIFTS AND PACKAGES IN THE MAIL TO FRIENDS WHO MIGHT BE IN NEED OF SOME CHEER. PERSONALLY, I DON'T KNOW WHAT MY WORLD WILL BE LIKE WITHOUT DEAR FUN, LOVING MARLYS IN IT. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. CAROL HAZELETT.
Charles Cross
Marlys must have been a wonderful friend, indeed, to have given to others so completely, both human and nearly human. I did not know Marlys, but I know the sadness all of you must feel who did. Our dear friend, Dr. Seuss, put it like this, "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." And David Viscott, "What is it to be a person if it is not to see and feel a world that no one else sees or feels but you, to be a world unto yourself that exists only as long as you do." I miss you to, Marlys!
Dana Davis
Marlys and her family lived across the street from us. She and a couple of the other neighborhood girls played horse and trotted around the lawns and had a lot of fun. I believe that I played a cowboy in the game. We came up through Grand and Heard schools and at West High she seemed to blossom anew as an expressive friend and always waved to me and many others in the hallways. As a kid who was sort of nerdy and shy, Marlys always made me feel welcome and appreciated. No small gift was that. I believe that she did my Mom's hair more than once and she remained a generous and fun person. I am sad that I lost touch with her after moving several times and across the country twice. She will always be a strong and friendly memory of those years and an example of how to treat your friends and neighbors. Thank you Marlys!
Rebecca Workman (Frank)
I hope I don't ramble too much, my mind and my heart are a complete mess right now. I first met Marlys at Grand Avenue Elementary School (Kindengarten). Oh, we had so much fun racing around those big trees that framed the grounds. Then there was middle school, high school, and our very much loved Campfire Girls group. I lived just one streeet away so we were always doing something fun. We lost connection for awhile after high school, but reconnected several years ago. We seemed to pick up as if no time passed. She was always so caring, kind, had a great sense of humor and giving...to all who were blessed to know her. Marlys, these past few years, became more than just a friend, she was a part of our family. One thing we always shared was our love of books. Marlys would send us fun boxes from time to time...filled with special candy and nuts for my husband, books and fun things, like the Unicorn Pez dispenser, or for Halloween the a skeleton unicorn (love it), and just thoughtful things. We surprised her with a few things over time as well. All wonderful memories. We miss her deeply, the void is deep and wide. But, knowing her, she will be watching over all those that she loved and held in her heart. So if you see a butterfly, a cardinal, or robin, or a penny from heaven (or, knowing Marlys, a kitten or cat) that is her letting you know she's around. So just say hi...she will like that.
John Sanders
I met Marlys in the choir. Always a fun, vibrant person. Lost touch with her for several years until I went to get my hair cut at her salon in the Financial Center building at Central & Osborn. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I realised it was her. We reminisced about our days at West, and I informed her of our yearly choir reunions, where non other than the man - Serge Huff, would direct us in all the old familiar tunes we sang at Christmas. She was at the next reunion. RIP Marlys.