Marlene Lake

Marlene Joyce Lake, age 76, of Vernal, Utah passed away due to heart failure on Thursday, February 23, 2012 in Murray, Utah following health complications and subsequent hospitalization.

Marlene was born on February 17, 1936 in Inglewood, California. Her parents were Ronald Sydney Lake and Vonda Dennis Lake.

For a few years, Marlene Lake was the proprietor of Mish-Mash Originals where she made floral crafts and produced original pieces of artwork. She ultimately completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Brigham Young University in 1983-majoring in art education and minoring in geology. Following her graduation moved to Vernal, Utah to accept a teaching position as an Art Educator in Uintah School District at the Vernal Middle School. She spoke frequently of her experiences teaching through the trauma of split-sessions while the new school facilities were under construction.

In 1987, Miss Lake transferred to the newly completed Uintah High School. She worked diligently toward completion of a Master of Education Degree in Art Education from BYU and graduated with honors in 1992-certifying in commercial art and vocational education. She served for years on the Graduation Committee, District Festival of Arts Committee, and was a member of the School Improvement Team. She also completed an endorsement for English as a Second Language.

Marlene once wrote that her personal philosophy of education was: Be the best; teach students to love to learn, to build images, and to always respect others.

Marlene was an avid supporter of the theatrical arts program. During the years she was employed as an Art and Ceramics Educator at Uintah High School, she painted numerous backdrops, designed magnificent costumes, and provided countless eclectic props-including some of her specialty jewelry and personal household furnishings-to guarantee period authenticity and absolute perfection for nearly every school stage production beginning in 1983. She also participated in productions presented by Utah State University Uintah Basin and the Outlaw Trail Festival.

Marlene continued to frequent the school following her retirement in 2010 and, as before, shared her expertise with costuming for the school's upcoming production of The Wedding Singer.

Marlene Joyce Lake is survived by her son, Ronald Thomas Sims of Vernal; daughter Sandi Marlene Sims Medina (Glen Medina) of Salt Lake City; and son, Christopher Charles Piner (Barbera Hatch Piner) of Vernal. Her grandchildren include Thomas Sims, C.J. Lake, Samantharay Lake, Colton Medina, Seneca Piner, Aidan Piner, and one great-grandchild, Mason Lake. She is also survived by her sister, Judy Lake Baird (Dwight Baird) a niece, Lisa Baird Wilson (Caleb Wilson), and a nephew, Greg Baird (Debbie Dwarte Baird). Her parents precede her in death.

Miss Lake will be remembered for her giving nature. She exemplified the motto: Love people; use things! She developed lasting relationships with her students and encouraged them to
embellish their projects in order to make them spectacular.

Viewing for Marlene J. Lake will be held at the Ashley Valley Funeral Home, 410 North 800 West, Vernal, Utah on Sunday evening, February 26, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, February 27, 2012 at the Glines Stake Center (located on Aggie Boulevard) at 11:00 A.M. with a viewing held one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.AshleyValleyFuneralHome.com

In Lieu of flowers, Marlene requested donating to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in memory of her. Donations may be mailed or delivered to Ashley Valley Funeral Home 410 North 800 West ~ Vernal, Utah 84078.