Marlene Lyon

Marlene Lyon died peacefully in her home on the morning of November 11, 2019 at the age of 82, surrounded by her three children and a beloved caregiver. She was an incredibly strong, brave and courageous woman who remained graceful and retained a sense of humor throughout her life.
Marlene was born in Fort Lupton, Colorado on April 6, 1937 to Howard and Leeta (Lyon) Mencimer. Later in life she took her mother’s maiden name as her own. Marlene was an independent and spirited woman who was ahead of her time and touched the hearts of everyone she met. She made life-long friends wherever she lived, said yes to challenges that came her way, and inspired others to rise to their potential.
Marlene lived in Montrose, Colorado for almost three decades where she raised her three children, Kenn Lyon, Paula Williams and Greg Sprenkel. While in Colorado she was a cosmetologist, legal secretary, WIC program director, and cattle rancher. She enjoyed outdoor activities and riding her motorcycle. She was an active leader in Montrose’s Zion Lutheran Church and had a strong faith in God.
Marlene was very artistic and was active in community theatre, both on-stage and back-stage. She continued her artistic endeavors throughout her life, with her focus on painting and colored-pencil works in her later years.
She retired and moved to Johnson City in 1997. Marlene loved cats and plants and had both in her beautiful home. She was active at Freedom Hall, Lifestyles Gym and the Senior Center in Johnson City. Her son, Kenn Lyon, joined her in Johnson City in 2007. They had many fun adventures together including shows at Barter Theatre, storytelling events, movies, dinners, picnics, drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and holidays with family and friends.
A private celebration of Marlene’s life will be held locally and her ashes scattered in Colorado.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made in Marlene’s name to either TriPride TN at https://www.tripridetn.org/ or the Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter at https://wcjcanimalshelter.org/.