Marlene Sheruda's Obituary
Marlene Sheruda, 84, long-time resident of Marion, IL, most recently of Clearwater, FL passed away on
August 2, 2022.
She was the eldest child of parents Robert "Bob" Comer and Edna Fischgrabe Comer, born November
12, 1937 in Pasadena, California. Marlene spent her early years in Pasadena, before moving to Texas.
She graduated from Moody High School in 1955 and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor
University in Waco, TX in 1959.
Marlene was married to Ronald Scott for 10 years, and with whom she had three children: Bob, Anne,
and Greg Scott. She later enjoyed nearly 28 years of marriage to Harry Sheruda until his death in 2003.
In her later years, Marlene enjoyed the companionship of Eugene Chmielewski for over 12 years.
Following Eugene's death, Marlene relocated to Clearwater, FL to be closer to family.
While a Senior in high school, Marlene was named the "Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year” for the
State of Texas, and while in college studied abroad for a summer in Mexico City, sparking a life-long love
of travel. Upon graduation from college Marlene taught school in Kansas City and California, but after
moving to Illinois in 1968, she was hired as a social worker for the Illinois Department of Children and
Family Services and spent nearly forty years in the job she loved - supporting foster parents and
children, as well as licensing daycare centers throughout Southern Illinois.
Another passion for Marlene was traveling. She would often proudly say she visited 49 of the 50 states,
somehow missing North Dakota! She also traveled extensively overseas including trips to Egypt, Israel,
England, Germany, New Zealand, and Ukraine. Every trip she ever took was the "best one ever."
Marlene was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Marion, IL for more than 40 years,
where she also served as an elder and was active in many groups and studies. Anyone who knew
Marlene, knew how generous she was of her time and money. She supported dozens of charities and
was an avid supporter of the Marion Medical Mission which builds shallow wells, schools and hospitals
throughout Africa.
Marlene is survived by her younger sister Gail (Jack) Davis of Fort Worth, TX; her three children: Robert
(Linley) Scott of Clearwater, FL, Anne Scott of Christchurch, New Zealand, and Greg (Robin) Scott of
Jacksonville, FL; and her eight grandchildren: Andrew Scott, Grayson Scott, Emma Scott, Thomas Scott,
Miriam Williams, Che Williams, Raphael "Raffi" Williams, and Zoe Williams.
A memorial service will be held for Marlene at the First Presbyterian Church of Marion, IL on Tuesday,
October 11th; visitation from 9:30-11:00 a.m.; service at 11:00 a.m., with a graveside committal service
to follow. Family and friends are welcome to a celebratory luncheon at Walt's Pizzeria at 1:00 p.m. In
lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either of Marlene’s favorite charities, Marion Medical
Mission or the Alzheimer's Society.
What’s your fondest memory of Marlene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marlene?
Share a story where Marlene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marlene you’ll never forget.
How did Marlene make you smile?