February 25, 1932~June 19, 2017
Just as it says in 2 Timothy 4:7, Lillie Marlene Cobb, 85, Springfield, Missouri, fought the good fight and kept the faith her entire life, including her final day on this earth, Monday, June 19, 2017.
On February 25, 1932, Marlene was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to Frances Dexter and Elmer Leon “Skeet” Yates, and grew up loving the outdoors, pursuing adventures with her brothers and cousins, and enjoying the activities of her closely-knit church community. Marlene graduated from Phoenix Union High School and started college where she studied art. In 1952, on Christmas Eve, Marlene married Virgil Bruce Cobb. Bruce and Marlene lived in Tucson, Arizona, and had four children – Rodney, Rebecca, Heidi and Jennifer. There was no job more important to Marlene than raising her four children, whom she parented lovingly well into their mid-life years! She was an engaged and attentive grandparent and great-grandparent.
Marlene continued her quest for higher education which, after ten years, culminated in a Master of Arts degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson. She was a dedicated reading teacher in Tucson’s school district and, later, in Buffalo, Missouri.
Marlene was an avid volunteer – she taught reading for the Literacy Council, which included teaching prisoners at the Federal Medical Center in Springfield. Marlene was the treasurer for many years for the Church of Christ, Springfield local, and she was a general church correspondent, writing notes and letters to many of our isolated members throughout the country and world.
Marlene had many wonderful experiences and happy days, but her time here was not without challenges and low points. It was evident, even at the end, that she had built her house on the “the Rock.” She was not afraid to transition to the next life. Marlene’s “true north” was her Savior’s example that she humbly worked to follow every day of her life. She fully embraced Romans 8:35-39, and made it clear that nothing could separate her from the love of God.
Marlene is survived by her brother, Ronald Yates, as well as her children Rodney Cobb, Rebecca Sheldon (Randy), Heidi Martin (Robert), Jennifer McClure (Kyle), plus 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, her sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and extended family that she loved very much. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Leon Yates.
In the future, when you think about Marlene, let it inspire you to revive an “old school” tradition she practiced often—send a hand-written note to a friend or family member through the U.S. Postal Service. She would like that.
