Marlene Kaye Bushue (61) of Effingham

Marlene Kaye Bushue, 61 of Effingham, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Peters, Missouri. 

A private funeral mass will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Anthony Schools, where her granddaughters will attend school, or donor’s choice.

Marlene was born March 13, 1959 in Vandalia, the daughter of Eugene E. and Luella H. (Duckwitz) Steben. She married Gail S. Bushue on August 18, 1984. Marlene will be remembered as a fun loving, social individual, that loved life. She always surrounded herself with people, even in her professional career. She started by working eighteen years at the previous Ramada Inn. She always treasured these years; not only did she gain lifelong friendships, but it's also where she met the love of her life, Gail.  She then spent twenty-six years greeting every customer by name at Crossroads Bank. During Marlene’s free time, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Marlene considered herself incredibly blessed when it came to friends. Their adventures over the years, whether it was get-togethers, vacations, or simply cheering on the Bulldogs, will be forever cherished. Marlene’s heart officially became full after welcoming two granddaughters in recent years. After raising a house of boys, she was beyond excited for two little girls to come into the family. Marlene loved to tell stories of the mischief the boys used to get into, especially her youngest son, Gevin. Her family will miss her smile, cooking, and bubbly personality during the gatherings she loved to host. The family is beyond grateful for a family outing to the pumpkin patch this past fall, where they were able to create lasting memories.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Gail of Effingham; sons, Greg, Grant (Molly) and Gevin, all of Effingham; granddaughters, Owen Michelle and Dylan Kaye; brother, Randy Steben and sister, Brenda (Roger) Evans, both of Altamont; many nieces and nephews.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Luella (Duckwitz) Steben; Gail’s parents, Clifford and Dorothy (Bushur) Bushue; nephew, Ross Harrawood.