Marlene Ann Hill was born on December 31, 1938, in Richmond, Cache County, Utah, a New Year’s Eve arrival she delighted in saying meant the whole world was celebrating her birthday. She was the firstborn of ten children to Don Hill of Richmond, Utah, and Margaret Owen Hill of Preston, Idaho, and grew up in the beautiful Cache Valley, a place she always associated with family, faith, and a deep pioneer heritage.

Marlene cherished her family roots. Her grandparents, Richard Owen Jr. and Tennie Anderson Owen, were especially influential, and many of her happiest childhood memories were formed on their farm. She took great pride in her pioneer ancestry, which included early converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a survivor of the Martin handcart company, and a stonemason ancestor who helped build the Salt Lake and Logan Temples. This heritage shaped her lifelong devotion to faith, learning, and service.

The eldest of ten siblings—Joan, Barbara, Gary, David, Margene, Kathleen, Brent, Steven, and Kelly—Marlene early developed a sense of responsibility and independence. She was never afraid to stand for what she believed was right, a quality that marked her throughout her life, whether in childhood classrooms, jury deliberations, or matters of conscience and social justice.

Marlene married Marvin Duane Steed on October 25, 1957, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a family that became the great joy of her life. She was the devoted mother of seven children: Richard (Lora) Steed, Laurie Steed, Melanie Steed, Marsha Steed, Alan (Laura) Steed, Marina Steed Hayes, and Shari Steed. She carried in her heart the brief but sacred lives of her twin daughters, Melanie and Marsha, born on November 1, 1960. Marlene was later blessed with grandchildren—Crystal (Brandon) Dever, Derek Steed, Janeal (William) Strong, Kevin (Shaylyn) Steed, Adam Hayes, Jordan (Tyler) Flores, and Mado Hayes—and 14 great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved deeply and followed with pride.

A gifted student and lifelong learner, Marlene graduated from Davis High School in Kaysville, Utah, in 1957 on the high-honor roll. Her talents in speech, debate, and drama were evident early; she served as a drum majorette, excelled in forensic competition, and later became president of Masque and Gavel. Her love of theatre and public speaking became a defining thread of her life, leading to decades of involvement in community theatre, church drama, and teaching.

Marlene’s faith was central to her life. She gained a strong testimony at a young age and served tirelessly in church callings, most notably as an early-morning seminary teacher for ten years in California. She prepared diligently, loved her students deeply, and influenced many lives—an impact that continued to be felt long after those early mornings ended.

Professionally, Marlene supported herself and her family with determination and skill. After raising young children, she returned to school, earned an associate degree, and built a successful career as a legal secretary, paralegal, and benefits administrator with several prominent San Francisco law firms. She was known for her intelligence, integrity, and work ethic, and she took pride in mastering complex responsibilities.

Marlene lived through—and thoughtfully reflected on—some of the most significant events of the 20th century, from World War II and the Civil Rights Movement to the space age and the rise of the personal computer. She was a passionate reader, a lover of history and biography, an advocate for equal rights, and a woman who carefully considered issues from all sides before forming her convictions.

In her later years, Marlene found joy in travel, the arts, and family adventures—from camping trips at Donner Lake to Broadway shows, London theatre, and a cherished family cruise in 2008. She settled in Sun City Roseville in 1999, where she enjoyed a quieter life filled with family, books, reflection, and enduring friendships.

Marlene Ann Hill will be remembered as a woman of faith, intellect, creativity, and courage—a devoted mother and grandmother, a gifted teacher and storyteller, and a steadfast friend. Her life was rich with learning, service, humor, and love, and her influence lives on through the many lives she touched.

Friends and family are invited to attend her funeral service on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (211 Estates Dr, Roseville, CA 95678).  Price Funeral Chapel (916-725-2109), directors.  

Here is a zoom link to view Marlene's service online:

https://zoom.us/j/96134638902

To listen via phone, dial:
669-444-9171
Then enter Meeting ID: 961 3463 8902
Press # if asked what your presenter ID is.