Marlene S Patton

Marlene S. Patton, 93, (formally of Muncie - Albany Indiana and Sarasota Florida), of Deltona, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, surrounded by family. Born March 19, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Stanley Parsell and Mildred Pittenger Parsell Morris, and later lovingly raised by her stepfather, Joe Morris, Marlene lived a life defined by boundless energy, fierce loyalty, and a heart wide open to adventure and service.

A 1950 graduate of Muncie Central High School, she married U.S. Airman Robert R. Harness in 1951. Together they traveled the world, calling many Air Force bases home before settling in Muncie, Indiana, where Robert later served as a deputy sheriff and they raised three children. Always eager to serve her community, Marlene founded the Youth Employment Service (YES) at Manpower Employment Agency, guiding countless young people to their first jobs. She sat on the Board of the Muncie Chamber of Commerce, led the Muncie chapter of the American Cancer Society as president, and, with her legendary flair for events, arranged live performances at Emens Auditorium—bringing stars like Hank Williams Jr. and Tommy Cash to Ball State University.

Marlene’s creativity and grace found further expression in the world of fashion and pageantry. She modeled for Ball Stores, JCPenney, and Tussy’s, and placed first runner up in the Mrs. America pageant in Muncie. In her teens she was a competitive ice skater—and she never lost her love of gliding across the ice.

In 1966, she married Larry Patton, embarking on a 51-year partnership marked by laughter, devotion, and two-wheeled wanderlust. As members of the Retreads Motorcycle Club, Marlene served as secretary while Larry served as president. Together they organized rallies and conventions nationwide, rode to every state (and into Canada), and honored a 45-year tradition at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally—where in 1978 Marlene was crowned Bike Week Queen and Best Dressed in her leathers. Even at 88, she mounted her beloved scooter for one last ride, and at 71 she bungee-jumped with her grandson Austin, proving her spirit was forever young.

A life member of the Moose Lodge, a Motor Maids member for over 50 years, a dedicated NRA advocate, and a seasonal ticket-holder at Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Emens Auditorium respectfully, Marlene embraced every passion with gusto. She worked for many years as a merchandiser with Indiana Glass in Dunkirk, Indiana, and—with Larry—rescued and blessed the lives of countless stray animals, her last beloved companion being Brutus, a Bhajan dog who lived to 20 years.

Marlene is survived by her children Lawrence (Doreen) Harness, San (Emily) Harness, and Marna (Michael) Syverson; grandchildren Nicki, Austin (Kristie), Lance, and Leah; great-granddaughter Scarlett Kay Syverson; siblings Susan Parsell Moore, Jack Parsell, and Judy Morris Gambrel. Marlene cherished her close friendships deeply, none more so than her bond with Sandy Myers—the two were often compared to "Thelma and Louise" for their spirited, inseparable adventures, full of laughter, bike trips, and mischief.

Her family will celebrate her remarkable life at a service to be announced. In lieu of flowers, they ask that you honor Marlene by pursuing a passion you love, offering a helping hand to someone in need, or rescuing an animal in her memory. Marlene lived fully—and loved fiercely—and her warmth, her laughter, and her boundless generosity will live on in every life she touched.