Marlene Collins Walker passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, after almost 92 years of a life lived fully, creatively, and with much enthusiasm and love. She was born in Oklahoma City to parents Everette and Iva Mae Collins and grew up in Muskogee with siblings Dick and Malinda.


She met and married Odell Walker while at Oklahoma A&M (now OSU) in the early 50's and they raised sons Larry, Ron, Randy, and Kent in Stillwater. As if raising four sons wasn't challenging enough, Marlene found time to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and went on to teach art at OSU for many years. Her beautiful paintings grace the homes of her kids and grandkids (and the Oklahoma State Capitol) and will continue to bring joy for years to come.


She was an avid gardener and her beautiful free form, colorful gardens were the envy of her neighborhood. She applied her creative skills to everything she did, from cooking (including her famous "Marlie bread") to landscaping to home decorating and notably to her unique sense of fashion, highlighted by the much-loved artisan overalls she wore almost daily. She loved to read and was a Public Library devotee. While not an avid sports fan herself, she cheerfully attended countless little league games and good-naturedly tolerated being surrounded by a family of OSU sports fans. After she and Odell retired, they enjoyed spending time near family in Taos, San Diego, Palm Springs, and Seattle.


Marlie, we miss you already and will do our best to continue to share the joy and love we felt from you.