Marlene J. Light, 80 of Phoenix, AZ and formerly of Watseka passed away on Thursday April 11, 2024 at Honor Health Deer Valley in Phoenix. She was born on August 28, 1943 in Mendota, IL a daughter of Frank and Maevis (Tegen) Metzen. Marlene married Donald Bates in Mendota in 1969. She later married Silas Light in Wheaton on August 22, 1986 and he preceded her in death on December 7, 2023. Survivors include one daughter- Margo Bates of Dallas, TX; one son- David (Angela) Bates of Glendale, AZ; two step sons- Lenny Light of Sun City, AZ and Steve (Tammy) Light of Salem; one sister- Barbara Hanson of Glen Ellyn; two brothers- Kendall Metzen of Aurora and Gary Metzen of Mendota; 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother- Frank Metzen.
Marlene was a member of the Watseka First United Methodist Church and was an elementary school teacher for over 30 years. Following her retirement from teaching, she worked at the Watseka Public Library for nearly 18 years. Marlene enjoyed reading, cross word puzzles, and was an avid Cubs and University of Illinois fan.
Funeral services will be on Saturday May 4, 2024 at 10:30 am at the Watseka First United Methodist Church with Pastor Darla Holden officiating. Visitation will be on Friday May 3, 2024 from 4-7 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Burial will be at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka.
Memorials may be made to Unit 9 Academic Foundation or Watseka Public Library.
