Betty Marlene Donaldson, 82, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at the Main Street Manor in Russell.

Marlene was born on December 07, 1931, in Isabel, Kansas, the daughter of George Henry and Lula Mae (McLaughlin) Whitfield.  She was the youngest of 10 children and grew up in the Isabel, Kansas, area and graduated from Isabel High School in 1949.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Earl L. Donaldson on September 04, 1949 in Isabel, Kansas.  From this union Marlene and Earl were blessed with three children Michael, Debra and Steve.  She and Earl moved to Russell in 1968.  She worked as a bookkeeper for Ben Gay Feed Lot, City of Russell and Schults Trailer Factory in Plainville.  Her favorite fulltime job was acting wife, mother and homemaker for her growing family.  She was a longtime member of Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell and was involved in several church ladies groups and the church choir.  She enjoyed singing, square dancing bowling and writing long family newsletters.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her many grandchildren.

Marlene is survived by her husband Earl of the home, son Michael Donaldson of Plymouth, Michigan, daughter Debra Middendorf of Richmond, Texas and son Steve Donaldson of Fritch, Texas; 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, 4 sisters and 2 infants siblings.

A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, February 03, 2014, at Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell, with Pastor John Martyn and Pastor Earl Haggard officiating.  A graveside service will be held at 2:30 P.M. at the Ellenwood Cemetery in Sawyer, Kansas.  Visitation will be from 1 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Sunday, February 02, 2014, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Sunday evening.  Memorials may be given to the Main Street Manor and may be sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.