Alice M. Wathen

Alice Marlene Wathen “Marlene” passed onto be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus in the early morning hours of May 16th, 2024. She was 90 years of age.

Marlene was born in Omaha, NE on July 8th 1933.

It has been said her generation was, “The Greatest Generation” and yes, indeed they are! Marlene’s honesty and hard work led her to do whatever she put her mind to and once had made up her mind she was not easily swayed.

Marlene had two wonderful husbands in this lifetime. Her high school sweetheart, Marvin Nelson and she had three children, Doug, Ken and Cindi. Later in life she married, John Wathen who was a wonderful husband, father and step-father. Marlene was now step-mother to Sharon, Jim, Barb and Jackie. John has proceeded Marlene in the after-life graduating to Heaven in January of 2010.
She was extremely blessed to have had two such wonderful men to share her life with and consequentially has been blessed with fourteen Grandchildren and twenty-six Great Grand Children with number twenty-seven arriving in the later part of 2024.

Marlene was employed by KYCU television station throughout the 1970’s and later went on to retire from the USGS in Lakewood, Colorado. Marlene and John would then retire to the glorious mountain retreat cabin located high above the mile high city of Denver, Colorado. Although, Marlene did not always think it so glorious at the cabin with the creek running out front, and at times flooding upon the front lawn, she made everyone who came feel as though they were family and she never knew a stranger. All were welcome. Always!

Those who love Marlene have provided loving tributes to her and have been posted here within:

Marlene’s niece, Lisa wrote: She had the great gift of hospitality and absolutely loved having people around and entertaining. Marlene had a way with words and knew proper English as well as definitions along with the use of the English language and sentence structure. She had graduated a year early from High School and was undoubtedly a child prodigy. She was a great communicator and writer.

Her Chocolate Chip cookies and all-time favorite Spritz Cookies were legendary. Although not large in stature, she was a hearty woman who helped her husband dig snow year after year at their mountain home in the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains.

And her dear friend Mary provided these words: My dearest Marlene, I miss the sound of your voice, the humor and wisdom of your advice, and the many captivating stories you shared with Bill and I, and our three children throughout the decades. Time and absence changes nothing. You are my most cherished friend and your joyful laughter is deeply etched in my heart forever. Love you my dearest friend. We will meet again, someday.

Another niece, Debbie has written: Your mom was very generous. She enjoyed giving, without expecting anything in return. (So true)

Marlene’s friend Jill wrote: I loved listening to her stories. She was such a great historian and sharp in her details. Her butter cookies (Spritz) were the best! We would listen to jazz when I was there and reminisce. She was honest with her advice. If you didn’t want to hear it you shouldn’t ask. She was beautiful and held her head high. I love that she taught me a 5-pound rolling pin can be your best workout tool!!

And her sister, Linda whom we call Sugg has written: Marlene was our clan matriarch. She decorated and hosted traditional holidays, birthdays, and mile-stone events for her children, grandchildren, brother and sisters and friends. Her love and generosity permeated the lives of all. She told family stories and sang songs that spanned the 20th century, especially World War II years, from the 1930’s onward. Her voice echoes in our souls. When one of us felt discouraged, doubtful or indecisive, she’d say, “Can’t never did anything!” Inevitably, the person carried on through the challenge.

Anthony, whom mom loved and has known since he was a very young man has written: She was a teacher. She taught me so much about fishing and the mountains. She was so kind and loving and I loved spending time with her.

Long time dear friend Myrna recalls laughing together and what fun they had touring homes listed with an open house…just because they wanted to and did not have much money in those days. I love you, my dear friend. A dear friend and I know where she is now, with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Maxi has said, Marlene was always kind and helpful. Always there for people.

And Delvin wrote, “she was a good one”.

Marlene’s God Daughter, Denise has shared - I am double blessed to have Marlene in my life. First, because you introduced my mom and dad to one another and secondly you were chosen to be my Godmother. Love you!

Marlene’s niece, Athea wrote: For me, Marlene was always giving and thoughtful. She often brought gifts for kids under 18 at family events, something to entertain ourselves such as books or games. I also think she was a caring big sister to my mom and her brother, Greg.

Danna wrote: For me, Auntie M, who was also my Godmother, was always so kind, thoughtful and, above all, generous-generous with her time, her thoughts, her laughter and her gifts.

Marlene’s Grandson, Britton has contributed: Grandma had a heart of gold. She was as whimsical as the magic of the seasons. She was loved by all that knew her and she loved them equally or more.

And her dear friend, Lisa who is a neighbor and partner of Cabin parties and life has shared:
Marlene, you and I shared a special relationship and you hold a very dear place in my heart. I could not attempt to summarize each and every day we shared. Our parties, events, outings, and challenges along the way up here are never to be forgotten.
You and I shared our love of cooking and the planning parties on many summer weekends. We both loved our annual tradition on New Year’s Ever of the progressive dinner in our beloved “Happy Hollow”, a term you coined our wonderful stretch of cabin along the creek front lush with green grass, Aspen and Pine trees. The evening concluded down at the creek with champagne, the sound of Auld Lang Syne and glowing lanterns. Together we hosted our infamous, 50’s party celebrating a decade you loved so much. Our family and friends dressed in 50’s fashions, men and women alike, 50’s music and dining on “retro dishes”. You set up your ironing board and we displayed lots of 50’s kitchen gadgets and Knick Knacks still residing in our cabin to that day. (Thank you, Helen and Bill Miller, also).
Another of my favorite memories is going down to Mass with you and John on Sunday mornings at St. Elizabeth’s in Buffalo Creek. The chapel would be half full, just a small community of summer and full time residents- a colorful bunch indeed! Sometimes you would invite us back for breakfast on the front lawn. Tony and I still laugh at you setting out a tray of olives to go with our eggs and sausage. Who would have thought?
Anthony cherishes his memories of you teaching him how to gut and skin a fish that he caught in the creek. A big accomplishment for a little boy, who is now a father teaching his own sons to fish!
Thank you for loving our son Anthony and our daughter Sara. They were always welcome to come into your cabin to see what you were up to!
We went through a change of neighbors on either side together. Sometimes it went just fine and other times we were amazed at the new folks adjusting to life “in the boonies”, sometimes with comical outcomes. (Inside joke- “Oh well, It is what it is”)
We can’t forget the wildfires……the several years we faced the real possibility of losing our cherished cabins and we were even evacuated for three weeks in 2000 during the High Meadow fire….and later learned the fire was only a mere mile (as the crow flies) over the hill from us. Then we had the Buffalo Creek fire before that and the Black Mountain fire a few years later.
I got to know your wonderful family, John your husband and Cindi your daughter who is a wonderful friend to this day. Her son, your Grandson, Britton who you were so proud of. Also, sons Kenny and Doug along with Grandchildren Colton, Jordinn and Leigh. I remember you bragging up Cindi’s special green chili and the day you made her make it for me when she was up at the cabin one day. I also enjoyed getting to know John’s family who visited frequently in the summer along with your beloved sisters, Gayle and Sug. We were sad when you moved back to Cheyenne, but realized Happy Hollow was no place to be alone in the winter after John passed on…although you did bravely for a few years. I will always treasure the 24 years we were neighbors and best friends. I love you, Marlene. Thank you for the wonderful memories so precious to me and tucked away in my heart forever.
Love, Lisa

Her son Doug recalls: Our mom consistently urged us to recognize the power of personal will power. One of her favorite sayings, “Can’t never did anything”, so get off your hiney and make it happen.

And as for me, her daughter…I love you mom and I will miss you each and every day until I see you once again and we are reunited. Thank you for teaching me to care for others, to love one another, the joy of cooking, watching the old movies and favorites with you, to always have a heart of gratitude and to say thank you and show appreciation, humility, love and endurance no matter the situation, to cherish the songs of old and Big Band music, to remember to dance even when I turn 90 as you so beautifully did and above all to love Jesus and to trust in Him for all things.
You may have entertained Angels, and I am quite certain you have. Good job, mom. We love you very much and you will forever be with us in heart and remembrance.

Lastly, for now…from the words of Judy Garland….

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There’s a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true

Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebird’s fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why, oh why can’t I?

Numbers 6:24
May the Lord bless you and keep you
May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you
May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace


There will be a Celebration of Life in July 2024. More information coming soon.
Please send all cards to: 218 Hunters Way, Cheyenne, WY 82007