Marlene Sitko (Maurer), age 82, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 20, 2025, in Zephyrhills, Florida surrounded by her daughters, she left this life and entered the arms of her Father in Heaven.

Born on January 31, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, Marlene was the daughter of Edward Joseph and Sophia Ann (Pulstulka) Maurer. She grew up in Michigan and graduated from Southfield High School in 1961. Her early years were marked with Strong work ethic and deep love for family, qualities that would define her throughout life.

Marlene's professional journey included working for her family's catering business in Detroit, where she helped bring people together through food and celebration. She later worked at Kirsch in Sturgis, Michigan. In addition to her career outside the home, Marlene was a devoted homemaker who poured love and care into every aspect of family life.

A vibrant and social woman, Marlene had a zest for life that was evident to all that knew her. She found joy in dancing and karaoke, often lighting up a room with her energy and enthusiasm. She loved solving puzzles and crocheting beautiful pieces by hand, cooking hearty meals for loved ones, traveling to new places, gardening with care, and canning the fruits of her labor, these hobbies were not just pastimes but expressions of her creativity and warmth.

Marlene was a woman of deep faith and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with all her heart. Her spiritual strength was a guiding light throughout her life and brought comfort to those around her.

She is preceded in death by 3 beloved husbands, Richard Frank of Las Vegas, NV, David Barnard of White Pigeon, MI and Richard Sitko of Zephyrhills, Fl. Also preceding her were her parents; siblings, Ronald Richard Maurer, Edward Joseph Maurer Jr, Pamela Joyce Ann Steffey-Apple Daly; son, Timothy Edward Frank and her cherished fur babies Coco and Petey.

Marlene's legacy lives on through those who loved her dearly, Sherry (Nail Hansman) Frank of Las Vegas, NV, Kenneth Frank of Las Vegas Lisa (Cuellar, Jones) Frank of Henderson, NV, Kathryn (Hout) Frank of Zephyrhills, FL. She was a proud grandmother of Joe Nail, Jessie (Matt) Springman, Katie (Christopher) Hyska, Jacob (Rachel Skaggs) Nail, Christian Frank, Heather (Justin) VanArman, Andrea (Brian) Vance, Aryion Frank, Colt (Beth Anderson) Frank Wolfe (Alexix Caldwell) Russell, Tara and (Rick) Finley, Jade (Chris) Abbott, Rachael Cuellar, Bryce Cuellar, Joshua Cuellar.

Her joy multiplied with each great- grandchild: Shealynn Parks, Kayleigh Springman, Charlotte Hyska, Kailee Hyska, Isla Hyska, Carter Finley, Ally Finley, Lincoln Abbott, Benson Abbott, Zayden VanArman, Grayson Vance, and one more precious baby Frank expected this coming spring.

Marlene's was rich with love- shared across generations and filled with moments that will be treasured forever by those who knew her, her unwavering faith, spirited personality and generous heart leave an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to share her journey.

May Marlene's memory be a blessing to all whose life she touched.

According to her wished cremation has taken place and a celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.

Hodges Family Funeral Home Zephyrhills handled arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation in Marlene's name to your local animal shelter or ASPCA.