R. Marlene Kowars-Orendi

Rose Marlene Kowars-Orendi, 78, of Columbus, Ohio, formerly of Uhrichsville, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at Kobacker House in Columbus after a brief illness. Born May 18, 1933 in Uhrichsville, she was the daughter of the late Harold W. and Zelpha A. (Hooker) Ginther.

A resident of the Twin City area in her younger years, she was a graduate of Uhrichsville High School in the class of 1951. She then furthered her education at The Ohio State University. After leaving the university, she began her life as a devoted and loving wife, marrying Arthur “Laddie” Kowars, Jr. with whom she had three children, Kurt (Cheri) Kowars of Dublin, O., Kacey Kowars of Orlando, Fla., and Kerry Biondo of Sedona, Ariz. Arthur preceded her in death in 1976.

On February 8, 1988, while living in Columbus, Marlene married Hans S. Orendi who survives her at their home. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Kara Kowars, Kevin Kowars, Jake Biondo, and Matthew Ison; a sister-in-law, Maria Reuer of Germany; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lois Peed.

While living in Uhrichsville, she was a member of Uhrichsville Moravian Church where she was very active in the life of her congregation, especially enjoying the time that she spent singing in the choir. In Columbus, she was a member of the Lutheran Church. She loved caring for her home and her family and also enjoyed the time that she spent working at the downtown Columbus Lazarus for nearly twenty years. Some of her happiest times were spent with her husband, Hans, as they gardened together and enjoyed visiting other gardens and botanical exhibits. They also have enjoyed the diverse cultural opportunities available to them in the Ohio State community, attending many symphonies, operas, art exhibits, and other events. She also loved her European travels and Virgin Island vacations with Hans.

Marlene loved her husband, children, and grandchildren dearly and gave herself entirely to them. She will be sadly missed, not only by her family, but by the many friends whose lives she touched with her generous heart that included people from so many facets of her rich life.

A memorial service and celebration of Marlene’s life, officiated by Rev. Jack Noble, will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 22, in the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, 26 Grant St., Dennison, OH 44621. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, prior to the service.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740) 922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com