Marlene Bullock

Marlene Peabody Bullock, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all, unexpectedly slipped away on April 22, 2026 as she peacefully slept.

Marlene was born on August 14, 1933, the eldest, and only child of Lester Evans Peabody, and Velda Richards Peabody, in the small community of St. John, Idaho. She was adored and cherished by her parents, and extended family. She took pride in having been treated as a third adult in this Peabody trio from her earliest memory - always encouraged to voice her opinions, help make family decisions, and accept responsibility for her choices. She blossomed in this environment, growing in confidence, and a self assurance that she could tackle any challenge. Fishing, camping, and hiking with her parents throughout her childhood filled Marlene with a deep love and appreciation for the wonders of this world.

Marlene always loved being involved socially. She served as a student body officer during her years at Malad, High School, and played on various sports teams there. As she looked forward to further education, and a potential profession, Marlene pondered the idea of becoming a nurse. On hearing this, one of her H.S. teachers declared it to be a foolish pursuit, certain that Marlene would never make it through the rigors of nursing school. True to her determined nature, Marlene said: “I’ll show her,” and the day after High School graduation, she packed her bags, and moved to Ogden, Utah to enroll in St. Benedict’s Hospital School of Nursing.

There, Marlene established life long friendships as she and her “besties” pulled one another through to achieve a degree in nursing. During her senior year of nursing school, Joseph Lindsey, Marlene’s high school sweetheart proposed marriage. There was a strict policy at St. Benedicts that students must remain single until completion of their degree, but after counseling with her superiors, Marlene was given permission to continue her studies as long as “she kept her marriage a secret.” Joe and Marlene were married in March, 1954, and Marlene received her degree a few months later.

Marlene is the mother of four children; David Lloyd Lindsey, Laurie Jo Lindsey Little, Joseph Todd Lindsey, and Christopher Carl Lindsey. Joe and Marlene later divorced. Undaunted, she redirected her considerable energy toward her children and, a fulfilling professional career.

After 17 years of being a very active, involved stay at home mother, Marlene returned to nursing, and established herself as a caring and capable nurse in the Newborn Nursery at Cottonwood Hospital, in Murray, Utah. There, she rose to every challenge, and was promoted to Head Nurse - a position in which she served with remarkable achievement until her retirement. In addition to nursing excellence, Marlene thrived with new responsibilities in health care administration. During this time period, Intermountain Health Care was nationally recognized as a forefront leader in motherbaby care; and her contributions to this effort were both foundational, and groundbreaking.

In 1981, Marlene married Loren E. Bullock. Together, they traveled the world. Biking through Austria, occupying box seats at Indian Wells Tennis Tournament every March, enjoying cruises, as well as tours of Europe, and the US. A favorite “happy place” was their own condo “in heaven” (AKA, Sun Valley, Idaho). Adventures kept them both active, and happy as they enjoyed the beauties of this earth until Loren’s death in 2016. After his passing, Marlene remained curious, and adventurous. She fulfilled a life-long desired to visit Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. She traveled with her sons and their families to Costa Rica, and Greece. To her delight, Marlene celebrated her 90th birthday on a Safari, in Kenya, Africa.

Some of Marlene’s most admired traits are those of her ability to make friends of any stranger, being fiercely independent, and never being afraid of hard work. Through her deepest trials - divorce, single-motherhood, and the mental illness journey/ subsequent death of her second son, Joey, she was propelled by her grit, and determination to make the best of difficult situations. In all things, she was sustained and strengthened by a deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint, serving in countless roles throughout her life.. Perhaps the one she enjoyed most was being a “Den Mother” for the Cub Scouts, where she could share her love of the outdoors with bright, young minds. Just days prior to her passing, Marlene was pleased to renew her temple recommend in anticipation of attending the sealing of her beloved granddaughter. She was faithful to the end.

One year ago, Marlene suffered the trauma of losing the use of her legs after major back surgery. While she remained ever hopeful to return to independence, Marlene chose to make the most of her necessary move to an assisted living situation. She actively participated daily, and truly cherished the tender care, and warm friendship that she received at The Grand Senior Living Center. Her family extends deepest appreciation to all staff and residents who made Marlene’s final days pleasant. We rejoice in thinking of her now - free of her wheelchair, and actively partaking of lovely things, places, and people everywhere. 

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Loren, her son, Joseph Todd Lindsey, and recently, her son-in-law, Roger Little. 

She is survived by her children Dave (Claire), Laurie , and Chris (Laura Gilchrist), 18 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren, in addition to her most cherished dog, Millie. She will be sorely missed by countless friends, in whom she found great joy. 

At her request, Marlene will be celebrated at a small, family graveside service, in the Malad City Cemetery, located near her childhood home in Idaho.