Marlene Ellen Harris, 57, of Battle Creek, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 22, 2018. She was born April 8, 1961 in St. Ignace, MI the daughter of Frederick Elwin and Donna Jane (Roe) Smith. Marlene married the love of her life Rick Harris on October 14, 2017 in Battle Creek. Marlene started working at Leila Hospital as a Transcriptionist in 1979 after graduating from Rudyard High School and continued to work there over the years and was working as an Administrative Secretary at Bronson Battle Creek Caner Care Center up until her death. She had been battling cancer and had been receiving treatment at the Cancer Care Center and she was so appreciative of the care she received. Marlene enjoyed golfing and played in many charitable outings for the Cancer Care Center. She also enjoyed spending time with her daughter, Danielle, family, and friends, and making donations to several casinos across the state. She loved reading her books out on the back porch and watching the birds and wildlife. Marlene was a true inspiration to all she met. Throughout her life, whenever she got knocked down, she would just stand up, brush herself off and move forward. She was one of the most upbeat and positive people you would ever want to meet. You could meet Marlene and you would be her friend within 10 minutes due to her kind and funny personality. She was always great in sharing her stories…and there were plenty of those. She had a great sense of humor and always a smile on her face. And she was known for her favorite saying of “Cool, cool, cool!”
She is survived by her husband, Rick; daughter, Danielle Isom; step-daughter, Jordan Ruffner; siblings, David (Nancy) Smith, Jim (Maxine) Smith, and Pamela (John) Jordan; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew.
Funeral services have already been held. Burial took place at the Rudyard Township Cemetery in Chippewa County, MI. Memorial tributes may be made to the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center (300 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017).