Marlene Adams Whicker

Marlene Adams Whicker, 85, passed away Monday, December 24, 2018 in Monroe, UT.  She was born February 26, 1933 in Springville, UT to George Neldon and Anne Clayson Adams.  She married Dean Swallow Whicker on December 3, 1949; he preceded her in death on January 26, 2005.

Marlene served the citizens of Millard Country for 33 years, 20 of them elected as a Democrat to 5 terms as the Millard County Clerk.  While in office, she was President of the Utah Association of County Clerks and Auditors.

She served her church in various teaching and leadership positions over the years, enjoying her work with the cub scouts, the youth and primary organizations, the Relief Society, and teaching the Citizenship in the Nation Merit badge.  5th graders from all over Utah benefited in their county reports as recipients of generous amounts of information about Millard County.

A working mother who flawlessly handled her various work roles while helping as needed on the farm and raising 4 children, she found time to work with the community on Historic Preservation, Beautification, the Fine Arts Guild, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, and helping run a 4-H sewing and quilting camp, and raising funds for local schools sports programs, and worked to get the Legion Hall on the National Register of Historic Places.  All of these often as an empty nester.  She loved sharing her life and skills to help the next generation learn and grow.  The Mayor of Fillmore recognized her years of service by awarding her the “Volunteer of the Year” award from Fillmore City.

In December of 2010, Marlene, along with her brother Paul and sister Deaun, received a certificate of recognition for her participation on the committee that received the Six County Regional Beautification Award for their work in beautifying Fillmore.

As a cancer survivor for many years, Marlene created the Committee of Hope which is dedicated to raising funds for the Huntsman Cancer Research Foundation and chaired the organization for 8 years.  The ATV Ride for Life, Christmas Trees and Ornaments in the park and many other projects brought in tens of thousands of dollars dedicated to cancer research.

Mom enjoyed her retirement, traveling a bit around the USA on various trips with kids and grands.  A memorable week in Hawaii, and a cruise to Europe with time in Paris and Barcelona, stops in Venice, Rome, Croatia, Naples, and Florence.  We enjoyed a wonderful last family cruise to Alaska.  She joined the Red Hat Society and proudly displayed her beautiful hat and loved her purple colors!

Marlene, an avid quilter, created a beautiful tapestry of a family.  She is survived by three children: DeAnn (Russell) Wiley of Hurricane, UT; Paula (Kim) Chynoweth of Richfield, UT; and Jim (Zion Brock) Whicker of Cave Creek, AZ.; a daughter-in-law:  Jana McBride Whicker of Payson, UT; one brother: Paul (Myrna) Adams; one sister: Deaun Bean, and one sister-in-law Suzie Adams, all of Fillmore, UT; 16 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her husband and parents; a son John Whicker; her brother Roger Adams; sister Nan Smith; brother-in-law Ron Bean; two grandsons: Clinton Wiley and Daniel Quarnberg.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 2:00 PM in the Fillmore Stake Center (25 S 300 W Fillmore, UT).  A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 12:30 to 1:30 PM.  Interment will be in the Fillmore City Cemetery under the care of Olpin Stevens Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers please make donations in Marlene’s name to Huntsman Cancer Research, C/O Julie Olsen PO Box 662, Fillmore, UT 84631.