Marlene Janette Williams

Marlene J. Collins Williams, born in Yoncalla, OR, on November 25, 1957, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 67 in Pioneer, CA. 

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Collins & Pauline Evarts Collins; her brothers Gene & Alan Collins; and her great-niece, Lacy Harris. Marlene was special to her family, and they all looked forward to her visits, phone calls, and hearing her voice. She loved her nephews and nieces as if they were her children. Norman Collins, Randy Collins, Valery Harris (Wes), Kelly Collins (Vonnie), Chuck Collins (Tina), Christina Noffsinger (Christopher), and Curtis Collins. As well as her great-great-great-nephews and niece. 

Marlene moved to Pioneer, CA, when she was 12 and made it home. She started working at a very early age of 17. For a time, she was an early volunteer for the Pioneer Fire Dept at a young age. She worked as a waitress, a cook, a bartender, an Amador Transit bus driver, and a driver for the Jackson Rancheria, and she even spent a short time working in the woods. She worked from one end of Hwy 88 to the other, and in doing so, she made many friends who became family. There was never a dog in her life, including those of others, that didn't love her. Marlene was very giving and always made donations to help others. Being from Oregon, she was a devoted fan of the Ducks. In the early 80s, she played softball. She was a member of a pool league for over 17 years, helping her team achieve first place on numerous occasions. She loved cooking, camping, fireworks, music, rock hunting, and gatherings with family and friends. Always remembering your birthday and greeting everyone with a smile and a hug. She left a huge footprint in the lives of many people, especially Terry Lee, Melody Edmunds, the Bezanson girls and their families, her Buckhorn family, as well as Jim Laughton, a longtime friend, and numerous others. She will be missed for many years to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 4, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Laughton Ranch, 90 Clinton Road, Jackson, CA. Please bring a side dish and a story about your friendship with Marlene. Donations can be made through a GoFundMe account or at the Celebration of Life to help cover expenses. Rest in Peace, dear sister and friend to all.