Marlene J. (Jensen) Leese

Stevensville - Marlene J. Leese, 87, of Stevensville, MT passed away of natural causes on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. She was born March 26, 1937, in Missoula, MT to the late Harold & Josephine Jensen.

Marlene was raised in Missoula, MT and attended Missoula High School. In 1956 she married Kenneth K. Krout and moved to Texas where their 2 sons were born. In 1961 they moved back to Missoula where their 2 daughters were born. They moved to Florence in 1976 and became owners of Sweeney Creek Grocery. Marlene and Ken were divorced in 1979. She moved to Stevensville in 1979, where she married Burton L. Leese. She resided in Three Mile area, Stevensville until the time of her death.

Marlene was a homemaker until 1976, she operated the Sweeney Creek Grocery from 1976 to 1979. She worked at Fairway Cleaners, Missoula, MT. She also worked at Super One Foods in Hamilton and Stevensville MT.

Burton and Marlene were members of the Western Montana Sheep Association. She became the secretary for the WMSA for a number of years. She enjoyed family, friends, playing cards/games, crocheting, sewing & gardening. She took great pride in her flowers.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Harold & Josephine Jensen; sister, Caroline Klein; husband, Burton Leese and her son-in-law, Craig Brown. Marlene is survived by her brother, Jack Jensen, Sr., Missoula, MT; 2 sons, Kevin K. Krout, Seattle, WA; Rory Krout, Palm Springs, CA; 2 daughters, Carol Neel (Larry), Stevensville, MT; Teresa Brown, Stevensville, MT. 6 grandchildren: Kyle Krout (Brie), WA; Kellie Frank (AJ), ID; Matthew Neel, MT; Ashley Weigle (Damon), MT; Derek Brown (Portia), WA; Joshua Brown (Brandy), VA; 12 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild (on the way); numerous nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held on June 13, 2024 at 3pm at Whitesitt Funeral Home, Stevensville, MT. The burial will take place at Sunnyside Cemetery in the Three Mile area following the service. A reception will follow the burial service at Larry & Carol Neel’s home at 761 Ridge Rd., Stevensville, MT. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

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