Marlene Ebeling Obituary

Marlene June Mullenix Ebeling, a faithful Jayhawk, longtime teacher, loyal friend, and cherished sister, wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, and GG, lived her 88 years with laughter, empathy, acceptance, and unconditional love. She passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, at her home at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence, Kansas, surrounded by loved ones who adored her.

Marlene was born July 20, 1937, in Great Bend, Kansas, the proud daughter of Marvin and Helen (Blazek) Mullenix. She grew up alongside her beloved brother, Doug, in Claflin, Kansas, learning the value of hard work from both her parents. Marlene graduated from Claflin High School in 1955 and went on to be the first person in her family to attend and graduate from college. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from The University of Kansas in 1959. During her time at KU, she was a member of the Red Peppers, a historical KU pep club, and worked at the campus library. Marlene was a lifetime member of the University of Kansas Alumni Association.

Marlene was a teacher for 32 years, positively impacting over 800 kindergarten and first-grade students whom she loved as her own. She spent most of her career at Centennial Elementary. She created a special tradition of saving a piece of each student's artwork, then reunited with them at their high school graduation to return it with her personal congratulations. She retired from her joyful career in 1998 and went on to serve as a member of Kappa Kappa Iota, the Douglas County Retired Teachers Association, and as a board member of the Lawrence Children's Learning Center.

Marlene married John Novotny in 1957, and together they had two children, John, Jr. and Marge. In 1980, Marlene married Don Ebeling, blending her life with his and gaining three loving stepsons, Terry, Tim, and Billy. Marlene and Don shared 28 wonderful, vibrant years together until his passing on November 4, 2008. Their blended family home was filled with an abundance of laughter, live music, pets, and good food.

Marlene had many hobbies. Her love of music began during her childhood years, when she sang in the choir and played in the marching band, and continued into her adult life, where she played the piano and sang. She had a particular love for Willy Nelson's music and frequented his concerts over the years. Mirroring her colorful, cheerful, and playful personality, Marlene had a love for clowns and exhibited a collection of hundreds of them in her home. Her students and family remember Marlene's iconic clown costume, which she sported every Halloween, one of her favorite holidays. Marlene never left the house without her camera and captured thousands of memories over the years through pictures. The walls of her family home were covered in pictures she took, with stacks of photobooks documenting every occasion over the years. For over 60 years, Marlene cheered on her Jayhawks, decked out in her spirit wear and waving her red and blue pom-poms, never missing a football or basketball game on TV.

Above all, Marlene's family and faith were the center of her world. She loved hosting family dinners and holiday gatherings with her special traditions, supporting her grandkids at their sports and activities, and visits from family and friends over coffee and scones. She lent empathetic and comforting words of wisdom to so many over the years. Marlene had unconditional love for every person she knew.

Marlene is survived by her two children, John Novotny, Jr. and his wife, Suzy, of Lawrence, and Marge Epperson and her husband, Eric, of Eudora. Marlene's blended family includes Terry Ebeling (Kate) Billy Ebeling (Debra), and Tim Ebeling (Josanye). Marlene is cherished by her 9 grandchildren, Kelsey Rockey (Zack), Haley Gleue (Casey), John Novotny III (Jill), Cole Ebeling, Landon Ebeling, Cydney Ebeling, Cam Vercoe (Becca), Sam Temple (Luke) and KC Jones (Jason) and 11 great-grandchildren, Cameron, Hayden, Nolan, Logan, Lucas, Kennedy, Lainey, Hudson, Simon, Bear and Desmond. Marlene is also survived by her treasured brother, Doug Mullenix (Carol).

Marlene's legacy of love, compassion, and kindness lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and the family she is loved by beyond measure.

The family extends deep gratitude to the caring staff of Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living and Ascend Hospice for the wonderful care that Marlene received.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Marlene will be held at Warren-McElwain Mortuary on Thursday, November 13. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. for a visitation, followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. A private family burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living Education Fund or the Alzheimer's Association and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences can be left at warrenmcelwain.com.