Marlene Craven

Marlene Ann Craven, age 76, passed away quietly at home surrounded by her four children - Ruth, George, Tambra, and Gina; her grandson Matthew and granddaughter Anna Jean. She was born on August 2, 1940, in Kalamazoo, to Oscar and Donna (Armstrong) Thompson. Marlene was a strong minded woman whom believed that to honor ones’ country was the most important gift. She joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18, serving her country during the Vietnam War Era. Throughout the years she continued working in various jobs for the military branches with the Department of Defense. Marlene enjoyed reading, listening to music, playing cards and watching sports, but the most important part of her life was her family. Surviving are her four children Ruth Craven, George Craven, Jr. (Julie), Tambra Craven and Gina Craven; grandchildren Matthew Craven, Bruce (Crystal) Stewart; Anna (Charles) Nichols; Tabitha Craven; James Craven; Sarah Craven; Victoria and Jeremy; 19 great-grandchildren; a sister Mary Lou Tripp; nieces and nephews; by her ex-husband George (Evelyn) Craven and several other special family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her siblings Ernest, Lloyd, George, Violet, Virginia. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00AM on Monday, March 20th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street, where a service to celebrate Marlene’s life with full military honors will begin at 11:00AM Monday, March 20th. A private burial will take place in Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials in Marlene’s memory may be directed to Kalamazoo County Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council or to Parent to Parent of Southwest Michigan.