Marlene Bender Wall

In the fall of 1959, University of Texas freshman Marlene Bender went out on a blind date. She liked the guy enough to see him again. After just a few more dates, they married on the most romantic day of the year: Valentine’s Day.

For the next nearly 63 years, Marlene and Ronnie Wall enjoyed a remarkable life.

Marlene became the loving mother of three children and the caring Nana of seven grandchildren. Together with Ronnie, they built a successful business – Wall’s Catering and Deli – and had even more success with real estate and other investments.

Sweet and charming, Marlene also was emotionally strong, particularly in the way she spent decades dealing with the tightening grip of rheumatoid arthritis pain. She died at home Sunday, surrounded by loved ones. She was 82.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the chapel of Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home.

While Marlene traveled the world, drove nice cars and wore fancy clothes, the truth is, she was just as happy eating drive-thru fried chicken and shopping at the dollar store. She was perhaps happiest at home in her recliner, surrounded by her family, watching a Cowboys game.

Marlene was born July 31, 1941, in Beaumont, Texas, the oldest child of Irving and Roslyn Bender. She became a big sister to a brother, Mickey, then a sister, Helaine.

Marlene and Ronnie married in Beaumont on Feb. 14, 1960 – an incredibly rare, snowy day in Southeast Texas. The love birds not only celebrated their anniversary every Valentine’s Day, but also on the 14th of every month.

They had three children: Kyle, Lori and Tina. Then came seven grandchildren.

Marlene and Ronnie had the entire family over for “Sunday Night Dinner” for more than 25 years. The family also traveled together. Even more memories were made during the years Marlene and Ronnie had a home on South Padre Island.

On the night of their 60th wedding anniversary, Marlene and Ronnie thought they were going out to dinner with their daughters and sons-in-law. Upon arriving at one of their favorite restaurants, they were surprised by their grandkids and a violinist who played their song, “My Funny Valentine.” That was Feb. 14, 2020, weeks before the pandemic and months before a fall that severely compromised Marlene. Thus, that was her last big night out; in retrospect, that was fitting for someone whose life revolved around her family and for whom Valentine’s Day was so special.

Had you looked at Marlene back then, you wouldn’t have known her pain was probably a nine on a 10-point scale. That’s how well she masked it.

She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her 40s. At first, certain medicines seemed to help. Years later, side effects from those medicines caused many complications.

Eventually, she and Ronnie began traveling less, then not at all. Around Dallas, she began staying in the car while he ran errands. She went from using a cane to using a walker. She became too uncomfortable to even go out with friends.

Her fall in December 2020 left her reliant on a wheelchair and around-the-clock caregivers. From then on, she pretty much only left home for medical appointments. There were a handful of dinners at favorite places, but her hope of making another trip to Winstar went unfulfilled.

Marlene is survived by her husband Ronnie; children Kyle Wall, Lori Aron and Tina Schnair; sons-in-law Jaime Aron and Don Schnair; and grandchildren Kellen Wall, Chandler Wall, Raquel Baron, Zac Aron, Sophie Baron, Jake Aron and Josh Aron.

She’s also survived by her sister, Helaine Kramsky, and her children: Magen, Jordan and Charlie Kramsky, plus their partners and children.

Marlene’s final years were eased greatly by the loving care of Beatrice Mmachi, as well as Bonno Mokula. Her days were also brightened by the relentless affection of her adorable dachshund, Meshee.

While Marlene’s family is relieved that she is no longer in pain, they will miss her greatly and she will never be forgotten.