Marlene Hines

Marlene F. Hines (nee Skogas), 88, a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed peacefully on November 15, 2022.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rudolph (Rudy), parents, Gerhard and Helen Skogas (nee Blackwell), her infant twin sister, Arlene, and brothers Wayne and George. Marlene is survived by sisters June Boje, Sharon Unruh, and Janet Herman (Rick); daughters Cindy Zvareck (Don), Lori Hines (Simon Lang), grandsons David Zvareck (Rachel), Adam Zvareck (Kate) and great-grandchildren Levi, Evelyn, and Grant.

Marlene was born in Glendive, Montana August 2, 1934. Her first home was a sheepherder’s wagon, then a farm near Lindsey, MT where her father grew wheat. At the age of 2, she was stricken by scarlet fever that resulted in a hearing loss that lasted throughout her life. Marlene attended a one room schoolhouse, then as a preteen, she began attending the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, a residential school in Great Falls, MT, to receive a better education. When she was a senior, Marlene met the love of her life, future husband Rudy, who taught at the school. After she graduated, the two dated until Rudy was offered a job teaching math at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. Enduring a long-distance relationship, they were finally married in Glendive four years later and settled in the Maryland-D.C. area.

After the big life changing move to Maryland with Rudy, Marlene became a mother to daughters Cindy and Lori, as well as becoming active in the prominent deaf community. She also was heavily involved in the St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church of the Deaf, where she was a member of the Altar Guild.

Marlene loved her family and smiled when she was near her two grandsons and three great- grandchildren. Marlene was an avid sewer, crafter, and scrapbooker. She was a wonderful baker, especially at Christmas when she would bake dozens of cookies, which her family loved. In Maryland, Marlene hosted many dinners at their house and was instrumental in church coffee hour after services. She also enjoyed traveling with Rudy around North America and Europe. Highlights included driving to Alaska, and visiting distant relatives and the Skogas homestead in Norway.

In 2006 Marlene and Rudy moved to Minnesota to be closer to family. It ultimately provided the opportunity to be around her great grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service planned for a later date.

Donations to Frontier Gateway Museum (PO Box 1181 Glendive MT 59330 or https://frontiergatewaymuseum.org)