Marlene M. Griffiths age 77 of Monroe, Wisconsin, died Thursday, December 24, 2009 at Monroe Clinic Hospital. She was born August 19, 1932 in Gratiot Township in Lafayette County, the daughter of C. Ray and Hazel (Engebretson) Griffiths. Marlene graduated from Gratiot High School, Platteville State College, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with certificates and degrees in Elementary Education. She taught at Mud Hollow Rural School near Gratiot and elementary/middle school grades in Lake Geneva, San Bernardino, and Milwaukee suburbs and helped develop many local and state education programs. She retired to Monroe in 2000 to be near family members & memorable landscapes, continued writing poems & children's books, and enhancing surroundings with bushes, flowers, & bird feeders.

Surviving are her sister, Mary Kaye (Harry) Metz/Scace; sister-in-law, Esther Griffiths; nieces & their families, Terri Bird, Lisa (Wes) Foesch, Cindy (James) Howard, & Crystal Smith; nephews & their families, Jeff (Teresa) Metz, Jon (Tammy) Griffiths, Bobby Griffiths, Mike (Rose) Griffiths, & Dale Griffiths. She was predeceased by her Parents; brothers, Cecil & Jack Griffiths; and brother-in-law, Joel Metz.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 28, 2009 At SHRINER-HAGER-GOHLKE FUNERAL HOME 1455 Mansion Drive & 18th Avenue in Monroe with Rev. Randy Booth officiating. Burial will follow in Gratiot Methodist Cemetery.

Visitation will be 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. Monday at the funeral home.