Marlene Faye Wallis, age 83, of Helena, died Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at St. Peter’s Hospital following a brief hospitalization due to complications from congestive heart failure. She passed in the loving presence of her daughter and her oldest grandson.
Marlene was born in Choteau, Montana to Andrew “Andy” and Elaine (Randall) Sangray, January 18, 1938. Marlene was the second of four children, following older brother Rand and preceding younger sisters Sharon and Vivian.
During the wartime years of the early 1940’s, the Sangray family was temporarily split apart. Marlene’s parents and younger sister Sharon moved to Vanport, Oregon. Due to the size of his young family, Marlene’s father was not drafted; however, he was ordered to contribute to the war effort by working in the Oregon shipyards. Marlene and older brother Rand remained in Helena to attend school while living with an aunt and uncle. The separation was difficult, but they ultimately reunited at war’s end—now a family of six with the addition of youngest sister Vivian, who was born in Oregon.
Marlene graduated from Helena Senior High School in 1956. During her high school years, she worked at Knox Flower Shop. Shortly after graduation, she married William “Bill” Freyler and a move to Billings soon followed. There were three children born to this marriage: daughter Sheryl Elaine, and sons David Andrew and William Randall. David and William both died shortly after birth.
Bill’s job with the telephone company involved periodic transfers throughout Montana. After Billings came Helena, Great Falls, and eventually Glasgow where Marlene worked for the school district—a job that began a lifelong dedication to public education. In 1970, the family returned home to Helena where Marlene resided for the remainder of her life. That same year she started a career with the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI); a career that would eventually span five full decades.
Marlene and Bill divorced in the late 1970’s. But romance found its way into Marlene’s life again. On September 19, 1987, Marlene married the love of her life, Harold Wallis. The love between them was obvious by the ever-present laughter, playful teasing, and constant companionship. They enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and cheering for their beloved grandchildren at sporting events. Marlene admitted to her sisters that throughout their 17 years together, the presence of Harold never ceased to give her butterflies. True love indeed. Harold passed away in 2004.
Along with loving devotion to her family, Marlene also gave the ultimate commitment to her job. She considered OPI’s Division of Special Education her second home. Marlene was admired and appreciated by coworkers within OPI as well as by special educators across the state. In 2016, Marlene received the Lifetime Achievement Award given by the Montana Council for Exceptional Children. Then in 2019, halfway through her 50th year of service to OPI and to Montana state government, she reluctantly retired at age 81.
A life well lived, and a life well loved.
Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, two infant sons, her husband Harold, sister-in-law Connie, and father of her daughter (Bill). She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl and Scott Ingraham, six grandchildren: Emily (Teren) Jameson and their children Cole, Lily, Myles, and Cali; Mark A. Nay and his children Marcus and Haylee, and their mother Ashley Chuter; Kyle Nay (Melissa Brandle); Joel Nay (Shawna Griffin); Abby Nay (Justin Blimling) and her children Bryson and Tyler, and Justin’s daughter Ashley; and Keli Nay (Spencer) Cannon. Also surviving are stepchildren Len (Jo) Wallis and Pam Plavonic and their children. She is also survived by her brother Rand Sangray (nieces Cindy Jones and Judy Sangray); sister Sharon Redpath (nephews Randy Redpath and Tal Redpath); and sister Vivian Kennaugh (nephews Kevin Kennaugh and Kory Kennaugh).
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Rose Hardman says
My thoughts and prayers to Marlene’s family. She was a very nice person and I was thrilled to find out that we were cousins. I will miss her for sure. Rest in peace cousin. 😍🤗
Sheryl ingraham says
I miss my mama so much. I can never fill her shoes. She was the glue to hold our family solid. We all were blessed beyond words. Thank you Heavenly Father for my mother.
Loree Steckler says
Sheryl and family, my sincere condolences. Treasure all the wonderful memories and love you shared with your precious mother.
Kelley Christine Brown says
I feel so blessed to have known Marlene and to have worked with her. She was always a bright spot in my day. We had many wonderful conversations, the last one being a week before she died. I am so glad I called her and got to talk with her one last time. I know she is dancing in heaven with Harold.
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. May you find comfort in your memories of Marlene.
Tal Redpath says
My Auntie Mar was the most giving person I’ve ever known. She also had a terrific sense of humor.
Christmas Eve 1975, Auntie Mar was cooking Christmas dinner as she always did. In my 12-yr-old practical joking mode, I quietly set a small jewelry gift box near her in the kitchen, inside was a realistic-looking rubber finger half-smothered in ketchup. Perfectly, a few minutes later she opened the box, screamed loudly and threw the box across the room. After I confessed, she laughed so hard she cried.
I am so thankful to share Sangray blood with my Aunt Marlene. She was literally one-of-a-kind.
Mike Jakupcak says
Wonderful woman…..always helpful…true problem solver….positive and genuine….will be remembered and missed in Missoula
Leona Wetherall says
Marlene was one of a kind – she always was there to help you out no mater the need. I loved working with her at OPI her friendship was a blessing. If you had a question about anything she was always there to give you the answer, I am thankful for all that she helped me with.
Rest In Peace
Leona
Vicki Duncan says
Although I am so sad about Marlene’s passing, I have so much joy thinking about working with Marlene and becoming good friends with Marlene and sisters Sharon and Viv. We certainly had our share of fun throughout the years. Know you are all in my thoughts. Marlene lived a great life. Hopefully she and Diane Kielblock are reliving memories together.🙏
Dick Trerise says
Marlene was a beloved friend and co-worker for all of who worked at the OPI and especially for those of us in the special education division. A memory- My desk was about 20 feet from Marlene’s for many years. She always answered the phone very professionally and was polite to whomever was on the line. Until she hung up. Then, her true feelings about the caller came out. She talked to herself and the air was often blue with her descriptive language. When we dared ask her who had called, she replied with equally descriptive language. I loved that. She is and will always be missed.
Linda McCulloch says
I worked with Marlene for 8 years. She was a wonderful person, giving and always ready to be helpful. She was a joy to work around and will be missed.
Connie Stine says
I worked with Marlene for many years. She was a great person plus a great friend. Will miss her greatly!
Pat Reichert says
I also worked with Marlene for many years at OPI. Loved the story by Dick Trerise, which accurately describes Marlene, always professional, but strong feelings under the exterior. She was a true friend and helped me through some tough times. I will always be grateful for her friendship. My heart is heavy. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Stephanie Munk says
Angels in heaven are welcoming you Marlene.
Marlene was one of those special persons who always welcomed you with a smile. She was a friend and the very first client and very last client of mine with her long career with OPI.
My sympathies to all her family.
Angela Branz-Spall says
Having worked with Marlene at OPI for more than 4 decades, I can testify that she was one of the most dedicated, hard working and knowledgeable employees that the State of Montana has ever had. Her work ethic was truly amazing and her service to the public schools of our state unmatched. May she Rest In Peace.
Sandi (Sangray) Meyers says
Sharon, Vivian and families
Marlene, Sharon and Vivian have always been 3 of my most awesome cousins. I worked at OPI back in the 70’s for awhile and would drop downstairs and see smiling Marlene on my break once in awhile. She was just so happy all the time. It was nice to run into the 3 sisters once in awhile but it’s been awhile, unfortunately. Awesome ladies and I know it will be hard on you 2 sisters without Marlene as it will be the rest of the family. I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Redpath says
My dearest big sister and best friend:
I will never be the same without you. I love & loved you more than I can ever say!
I treasure the time we had together in the last two years. It was an honor to care for your needs. Loved our friday lunches after I grocery shopped for us and our many coffee breaks. You, Vivian & myself having our gab fests & just plain having fun.
You were taken much too soon & it hurts so bad! I know in my heart that you are now at peace & no longer have to struggle everyday. You were such a strong person & I admired you so much. I miss you so much & am struggling to accept this, I know you would say, you will be okay & get with it & live your life.
I feel so blessed to have been your sister! Rest in peace my precious sister!
Say hi to mom & dad & all our doggies!
Your loving sister, Sharon
keith nay says
Miss you so much! Thanks for all that you did for me.