On May 1, Marlene DeLaVars Jacobs passed peacefully of cancer complications in her own bed at her home of 58 years surrounded by family and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Marlene (Mom, Mumsey, Granny, Queenie) was born in Oberlin, Ohio on November 19, 1942 to Douglas DeLaVars and Lana Shareina DeLaVars (Mann). Her father was stationed overseas with the Air Force's 306th Bomb Group when Marlene was born. Shortly thereafter, her mother fulfilled her patriotic duty and enlisted with the Women's Army Corps. As a result, Marlene's grandmother, Florence Gove DeLaVars lovingly raised Marlene from infancy. They eventually ended up in Brentwood Lake, Grafton. Marlene relished being a "Brentwood Girl" and often reminisced about her times with her girl gang.

She was graduated from Midview High School in 1960. At her grandmother's urging, she completed Secretarial training at the prestigious Oberlin School of Commerce earning the equivalent of an Associates degree. Her trailblazing grandmother recognized the importance of a young woman being able to support herself. Marlene used the skills she gained to raise her two children as a single mother. She worked at several firms, but most notably spent her career as an Executive Assistant and Human Resource Specialist at KS Associates for 29 years.

On November 21,1987, Marlene married the love of her life, Will Jacobs. Willy recognized her to be the royalty that she was and pampered his "Mar-Queenie". Marlene and Willy had many adventures together. They traveled all around the U.S. to hike our nation's most beautiful trails. They especially loved Tucson, AZ and Snowbird Mountain in North Carolina. But they spent the most time at the Indian Hollow Metroparks Trail where they greeted the dawn and friends for many years always followed by a cup of McDonald's coffee. They shared a love of laughter, nature and family and enjoyed many years of porch sitting with their six grandchildren as they introduced them to various birds and creatures.

Marlene was a woman who was meticulous with the details. She was a lady from another era. She still polished the silver and ironed tablecloths. She always used the "Good China" and encouraged her children to do the same. Her hospitality was unsurpassed. She and Willy loved entertaining family and guests in their home. When not entertaining, you could find Marlene enjoying fine dining and the Broadway series with her dear friend, Lynn Miggins. Like her parents, Marlene lived a life of duty. She was a caregiver for many. Her word was good. She embraced lifelong learning and became involved in genealogy. She cherished her membership in the Firelands Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames.

Marlene's faith was vital to her. She was baptized at LaPorte United Methodist Church when she was 60 years old. She participated in many prayer groups and Bible studies. Her love of the Lord flourished and grew each year. She died knowing that she was going home to Jesus and she was quite excited to be with Him.

We knew the days were short when Marlene cancelled her hair and nail appointments last week. Thankfully her manicure was still perfect at the time of her passing.

Marlene is survived by her devoted husband, Will Jacobs, her beloved children and their spouses, Sidney Wise (Amber), Angela Wise Drozdowski (Colin), Robin Jacobs Rader (Scott) as well as 6 adored grandchildren: Kelsey Mohrman Rader, Camille Butz (Nick), Spencer Rader, Sawyer Rader, Daniel Drozdowski and Brooklyn Wise. She also leaves behind cousins Gordon John DeLaVars and Marie DeLaVars.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life (Memorial) at LaPorte United Methodist Church on Friday, May 9 at 11:00 AM followed by a light luncheon. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the LaPorte United Methodist Church General Fund.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com. Arrangements entrusted to Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home in Elyria.