Marlene Joyce Auten

     Marlene Joyce Auten, age 83, of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Lansing, Michigan.
     A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Marlene was born in St. Johns, Michigan, on January 4, 1941, to Joseph and Mary (Warner) Toth. She attended Rodney B. Wilson High School, with the Class of 1959, and had many friends she stayed connected to throughout her life.
     Marlene was a talented hairstylist and wore many hats, such as caring for the elderly and disabled in her adult foster care home, as well as working at General Motors.
     Marlene was friendly and warm, and she connected with every person she met. She was everyone's friend, and a person never felt lonely when they were with her. She always remembered the details of a person's life, and she loved to reconnect with her friends and reminisce with her family about the "good ole days." We loved hearing stories of her vivacious teenage years, and she loved to tell us. She was loved by many friends and was the center of our family. Marlene loved holidays, especially loved cooking Thanksgiving dinner for her family. She loved having the entire family together. She loved giving gifts and could always pick out the most special present for the person she loved. She was giving and had a generous loving heart.
     Marlene was kind, down to earth, and classy. She loved to laugh, and her laugh could fill the room with its sound. She always thought of others before she thought of herself. Marlene had a passion for animals, dogs in particular. She loved her soap operas, and she never missed an episode of General Hospital. She loved Westerns, especially Gunsmoke, the show Hazel, The Lawrence Welk Show, Mama's Family, and watching Charles Stanley preach. She was an obsessive Elvis fan, and she loved to dance. She was a gifted homemaker, and her entire life revolved around her family. She made the best bean soup, pot roast, and mashed potatoes. She would always try to feed a guest, even if they didn't want to eat -- they were going to! She loved peanut butter cups. Coca-Cola, and hot cocoa and toast at night. She loved to shop, had a talent and passion for decorating. She was a timeless beauty. Marlene was always looking for her next home project or to "pretty something up." She lived by this Elvis quote, "I believe the key to happiness is someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to." She is deeply loved, and we will hold her in our hearts forever.
     She is survived by her three children: Brenda (Harold) Heilig, Robin Bensinger, and Kevin Auten; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Julie Seibert, many nieces and nephews, and close friend Dianna. Marlene was preceded in death by her mother Mary (James) Prochazka, father Joseph Toth, grandson Austin Cody, and beloved siblings: Sharon (Carl) Teelander, Larry Seibert, Joseph (June) Toth, and David (Jean) Toth; and infant sister Sharon Rose.
     Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.