Marlene Louise Hilgers

Marlene Hilgers, age 86, of Kansas City, KS passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024 in Mulvane, KS.

She was born in Winfield, KS on July 9, 1937, to the late Cletus and Genevieve (Stegman) Lix. During her early childhood, the family lived on a farm near Oxford, KS, before moving to Dodge City, KS. After attending St. Mary of the Plains Hight School, Marlene earned an associates degree at Dodge City Community College, where she met Max Hilgers. During this time, she was a collegiate cheerleader. and worked as a telephone operator. Max and Marlene were married on June 2, 1961, at Sacred Heart Catherdral in Dodge City, KS and were married for 62 years. They moved to Kansas City, KS, lived there for 56 years and raised four children.

Marlene was a devoted member of the Christ the King Catholic Church. One of her hobbies was painting ceramics, and she enjoyed friendships with fellow painters. Marlene was a kind and patient teacher, working as a paraprofessional at Hazelgrove and Welborn Elementary and then at F.L. Schlagle High School with the at risk program.

Marlene's greatest devotion went to her family. She poured her quiet strength into multiple generations, allowing them to grow and thrive. Marlene's family describes her as extremely caring and able to make every person feel valued and loved. Her house was open to all and she was adept at providing delicious meals, creating a nurturing environment for children and making all feel accepted.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Cletus and Genevieve Lix, and her infant son, Mark Hilgers.

Marlene's legacy lives on with her many family members: her husband, Max A. Hilgers; her son, Ward (Vicky) Hilgers of Mulvane, KS; grandchildren, Miles (Samantha) Hilgers, Maeve Hilgers; son, Jon (Donna) Hilgers of Kansas City, MO; granddaughter, Elizabeth Hilgers; great-grandchildren, Jude, Marlee Mateos; son, Ross (Aimee) Hilgers of Moorhead, MN; grandchildren, Dash, Bly, Ives Hilgers; daughter, Marty (Robert) Thoele of Kansas City, KS; granddaughter, Myrye (Zakk) Loffredo; great-grandchildren, Carina, Landon Loffredo; granddaughter, Taylor Copley; great-grandchildren, Michael Jr, Thalia Copley; grandson, Morgan Thoele; great-grandchildren, Kaliyah, Kairo Thoele; granddaughter, Payton (Keith Brown) Thoele; great-grandchildren, Ana'lia, Keith, Kyson Brown. Marlene is also survived by her siblings, Marvin (Susan) Lix of Denver, CO, Cathie (Perry) Barnes of Willowbrook, IL; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.