Marlene Louise Budlong

Marlene Louise Budlong July 31, 1933 – July 26, 2010 Mill City, OR Marlene Louise Budlong, a long-time resident of Mill City, passed away and went on to be with her Lord on Monday the 26th of July. She died of traumatic brain injury at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland after a fall. Born in 1933 in McMinnville, Marlene was the only daughter of Otis and Opal White.  She grew up with five brothers, with whom she remained close. She earned Salutatorian status at Detroit High School where her father was the Principal. She then attended Northwest Christian College in Eugene. Marlene married Robert Lee Budlong of Mill City, OR on December 26, 1953.  They resided in Salem, Reedsport, and Portland, before moving to their home in Mill City.  She is survived by her husband, four children, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and three of her brothers. Marlene was active in the Detroit Community Church where she served as pianist, piano teacher, and a member of the church board.  A servant at heart, she shared her love through her cooking, sewing, and craftwork.  She also enjoyed publishing and worked several years as a typesetter. Marlene was family oriented and had a passion for genealogy.  She researched and published several volumes of her families’ history, including the Budlong and Hudel family lines of her husband, as well as her parents’ lines; the White and Rayburn families. Marlene’s greatest gift was her open and giving heart.  Many benefited by her unconditional love and she will be greatly missed by many. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, August 2, at 2:00 p.m. in Stayton, OR at the Weddle Funeral Chapel. Memorial gifts may be made to the Salvation Army at www.salvationarmy.org.