Marlene Theresa Lefever, 85, longtime area resident, passed away Saturday, August 11, 2018, surrounded by her family.

She was born July 12, 1933 in Garrison, North Dakota to Louis and Loretta (Krzmarzick) Pflipsen.    The family moved from North Dakota to Longmont in 1944. Growing up, she worked at Brillhart's Food Market in Longmont, during which time she met her future husband, Maurice, at a picnic.

They were married on January 25, 1955 in Saint John's Catholic Church in Longmont, Colorado. They moved to the family farm southwest of Longmont, where they farmed and raised their 6 kids, teaching them the value of hard work and family values.

Maurice and Marlene moved the family to Fort Morgan in 1972, where they continued farming and helping the kids with their school activities and many 4H projects.

She was a member of Saint Helena's Catholic Church in Fort Morgan, where she lived her life according to her belief in God. She was an active member of the Fort Morgan DOES Drove 236, and she belonged to the Platte Avenue Social Club.  She was also a hospice volunteer.

Marlene loved her family, especially helping raise her grandchildren.  Family holiday get-togethers were important, including the annual Easter egg hunts for the grandkids. Fishing and camping were favorite pastimes, or if the Broncos or Rockies were playing, she would be glued to the tv until the end of the game.  She enjoyed chocolate, dancing to waltzes and polkas, reading, bowling, going on cruises, and trips to Blackhawk. She and Maurice also traveled to all 50 states and to Europe several times.

She was a very generous person, putting others needs before her own.  She had a servant's heart, willing to help those in need. She always made time for others, whether it be listening or giving advice.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years Maurice of Fort Morgan, children Kenneth Lefever (Patty), Cindy Lefever ( Terry), Sheri Hulkovich (Kerry) all of Fort Morgan, Randy Lefever (Kris) of Durango, and David Lefever (Kim) of Platteville, 19 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Also 2 sisters, 3 brothers, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death, Debra Lefever, one sister, two brothers and her parents.

There will be a Rosary on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 6:00 pm at Heer Mortuary in Fort Morgan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 10:00 am at Saint Helena's Catholic Church in Fort Morgan.

There will be cremation and private inurnment in Serenity Falls at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Saint Helena's Catholic Church.

Condolences can be sent to the family at Heer Mortuary, 225 E. Platte Ave., Fort Morgan, Colorado 80701