Marlene McIntosh

Marlene McIntosh, 85, of Fairfield, IL, formally of Springerton, IL, passed away at 11:45 p.m., Thursday, February 16^th, 2023, at the Fairfield Memorial Hospital Skilled Care Unit in Fairfield, IL.

Marlene was born September 9, 1937, to Elmer and Naomi (Wilson) Woodrow and was raised in Hamilton County, IL. She met her husband, Clyde Eugene “Gene” McIntosh, when they were both participating in a church play, and they were married in 1952. Gene and Marlene celebrated 64 wedding anniversaries before his passing in 2017. While raising her four children, Marlene resumed her education and graduated in 1970 from Clay City High School. She went on to obtain an associates degree in psychology from Olney Central College in 1972. Upon graduating, she began working as a teacher’s aide and later worked as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service out of Xenia, IL. After retiring from the Post Office, Gene and Marlene enjoyed lots of travels including many bus trips and family vacations to Walt Disney World.

Marlene was a steadfast servant of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and later the Springerton Church of Jesus Christ. She loved dedicating her time to the Lord including serving at Brush Creek Campgrounds as a cook in the dining hall, helping with the canteen and general store, and working tirelessly for the church food pantry. Each year Marlene looked forward to spending time with her children and grandchildren at reunions, baseball games, firework shows, and more. Marlene enjoyed making jams and jellies, Blackberry jam in particular, for her family and friends. It paired well with her homemade sourdough bread.

Marlene is survived by her four children: Connie O’Kelley (Darrell) of Bloomington, IL and Ormond Beach, FL, Cathy Colarusso (Paul) of Fairfield, IL, Caryne Zarchy (Richard) of Crystal Lake, IL, and Cliff McIntosh (Julie) of Springfield, IL; five grandchildren: Shawn O’Kelley (Danielle), Rachel Zarchy (fiancé, David Esterquest), Rebecca Zarchy, Morgan McIntosh, and Mason McIntosh; four great-grandchildren: Patrick, Brendan, Finnian, and Bridget O’Kelley; her siblings: Don Woodrow (Kathryne), Jerry Woodrow (Trish), Janice Kay Woodrow, and Larry Woodrow (Carolyn). Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Gene McIntosh; parents, Naomi and Elmer Woodrow; her siblings, Jack Woodrow, Dolores Rose, and Clyde Woodrow; and her granddaughter, Maureen O’Kelley.

She was our matriarch, our beacon of love, and a true example of what it means to be a daughter of Christ.

A visitation will be held at Stendeback Funeral Home in Enfield, IL on Tuesday, February 21st from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be held at the Springerton Church of Jesus Christ on Wednesday, February 22nd at 11:00 a.m. followed by burial at Old Springer Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the church following the burial.

Memorials may be made to the Brush Creek Campgrounds and Springerton Church of Jesus Christ and will be accepted at Stendeback Funeral Home in Enfield or by mail, at 609 W. Main St. Carmi, IL 62821.