Marlene Faye Wetzel

Marlene Faye Wetzel was born to Doris L. (Barlow) and Walter S. Wetzel on August 4, 1939, in Browning, MT.  Marlene was the 1st born and became little mother to William (Petesy), Helen (Penny), Walter Jr., Donald, Michael and Sher.  She later became big sister to Lance and Christine.
After graduating from high school in 1958, Marlene married Rick Reagan and they were blessed with Arden, Susan, Reid, Barbara and Anita.  Their 14 years together were spent working hard ranching, rodeoing, camping, 4-H activities, and enjoying family visits.  It wasn't easy with 5 kids, but she always put the needs of her family first.  She was about Love, Caring, Grit and quick Wit.
After her children were all in school, Marlene pursued her passion and received her Licensed Practical Nurse degree from Kalispell Community College.  Her nursing career spanned over 30 years between Kalispell and Helena.  She initially enjoyed working with mothers and newborns, but as the years went on, she was drawn to caring for the disabled and elderly in nursing care facilities.  Even late in her career, she continued to put in double shifts in consideration of the needs of the patients.  She never complained, in fact, she loved it.  She had a very compassionate and giving heart.
After losing Grandma Doris in 1988, Aunt Mars and Aunt Penny picked up the grandma role for their nieces and nephews and their homes were open to regular get togethers.  She was so young at heart and always tried to better the situations by listening to what they had going on, talking, joking, listening to latest music or just silliness and fun.  She had a soft heart for kids and animals and would not turn away any.
Mom has always enjoyed sports - barrel racing on favorite horse Chief, following her brothers to basketball and softball tournaments, traveling to rodeos, attending Big Sky Games, participating in Women's Run, Governor's Cup, Race for Cure, watching all levels of family's basketball, cross country, football, track & field, volleyball and wresting - she loved it all.  Then there were the other guys in her life - she was so into NFL and NBA - "Oh, get out of here!"
Thank you, God, for blessing us with our Mother and the traits she has passed to us and our families - Arden "Rikki" & John Salazar and Franco, Nathaniel, Tenille Salazar & Zach Jones & their son Ché Jones; Reid & Tammy and Robert Reagan; Barbie & Dick Powell; Anita Reagan & Casey Lange and Anita's daughter Taylor Louis & her son Hudson Christensen, Taylor's fiancé Brandon Tyler & their daughter Baylee, daughter Ashley Louis & Jake Castro, and daughter Jada LaTray.
Mom is survived by Petesy, Walter Jr., Don Sr., Sher, Lance & Cassie and Christine Wetzel.  Nieces & nephews - Sandra Horn & Nathan Gilbert, Lea Wetzel, Charmaine & Sean Engum, Camille & Richard McCormick, Kelsea Starr, Keane & Spencer Gates, Bill, Rex and Justin & Jordan Wetzel, Ray Luchi, John Wilson, Shawn, Donnie Jr. & Kesley, Ryan & Brooke, Bobby & Meagan, Christian & Brooke Wetzel, and Paul & Quinn Horst, Jake & Sidney Wetzel, Robert Wetzel, Kylee, Tevin, Titus and Tedrick Wetzel and their families.
As Mom begins her life everlasting, she will be reunited with her parents, grandparents, daughter Susan, sister Penny & husband Manuel White, sister-in-law Grace and nephew Timmy Wetzel, brother Mike & nephew Scott Wetzel.
Do what you have to do & do it with kindness and love to others - for Mom it came naturally.
Continue to shine our tough, little Warrior - We Love You!