Marlene E. Fox

Marlene Erma (Wetrich) Fox was born January 8, 1932 on a farm outside Wellman, Iowa and passed
away August 14, 2022 at Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois. Marlene was the only daughter and
middle child of Clarence Wetrich and Ora (Ponchaud) Wetrich. Her parents, two brothers (Pete and
Dale) and her husband (Jim) preceded her in death.

In her youth, Marlene enjoyed horseback riding, the arts, and being with friends. She did exceptionally
well in school and was proud to be a drum majorette. Later in life she spent countless hours working in
her flower garden and feeding her many koi (all of which she gave names) in the fish pond she
installed. She was very fond of birds, especially cardinals. She enjoyed watching and feeding them at
any of her numerous bird feeders. Jim and Marlene traveled all over the United States; at one point
spending a month in Alaska. Their adventures also continued overseas including a special trip to the
Holy Land.

Marlene attended Iowa Wesleyan College and later transferred to North East Missouri State Teachers
College (now Truman State) where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and graduated
with honors. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and was involved with several plays and
activities involving the arts. Her nephew recalls a time the family gathered together around the TV to
watch her sing Blue Moon. Her love of music continued throughout her life.

She married James A. Fox on April 10, 1955. In 1965, the family moved from Missouri to Carthage,
Illinois. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church where her husband pastored. Marlene
taught Language Arts in the Southeastern and Carthage School Districts until her retirement. In 2014,
she and Jim moved into Hickory Grove where she lived the remainder of her life. She was always very
fond of her students and never grew tired of hearing about them and their families.
Marlene is survived by her children Mark (Marilyn) Fox, Angela (Mark) Moorhouse, and David
(Shelly) Fox; grandchildren Jessica (Aaron) Carroll, Parker (Staci) Logan, Brock (Brittnie) Logan,
Brooke (Allen) Romano and Bryan (Danielle) Fox. She was blessed with three great granddaughters;
Landrie, Audrie, and Oaklee and newborn great grandson, Rhett. Several nephews and nieces also
survive.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Carthage or the Memorial Hospital Foundation
designated for the Hickory Grove Four Season Room.

Visitation will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage, Illinois on Saturday, August 20, 2022 from
9 to 11 a.m. with funeral services immediately following. Burial will be at Moss Ridge Cemetery in
Carthage.

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