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1936
2017
Dorothy "Marlene" Adkins Bloomquist quietly passed on August 5, 2017 at the age of 81 in Tucson Arizona after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Marlene was born on February 26, 1936 in Zanesville, Muskingum, Ohio the daughter of the late Dorothy Bernice Frame and John Ambrose Musselman, both of Zanesville, Ohio. The long history of Musselman's continue in Zanesville today. While her father was serving our country during World War II, Marlene was a big help for her mother with her 3 siblings. After her father's return from the war the family moved to "The Farm" which was outside of Zanesville. During this time, her sister's health required the family to move to a different climate and the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1951. Her early upbringing on the farm led to the strength and fortitude she showed throughout her entire life.
After graduating in 1954 from North High School in Phoenix Arizona, Marlene pursed her life long career as a Registered Nurse, beginning her training at St. Joseph's Hospital diploma program and completing this portion of her education at Good Samaritan Hospital in 1960, both in Phoenix, Arizona. This, however, did not complete her desire for education. She continued to seek new opportunities for knowledge up into her 70's.
Marlene married Norman Adkins in 1956 and had four sons. She returned to Zanesville, Ohio in 1969. During this time, raising her four sons and working full time as an RN, she obtained her Pediatric Nurse Certification. This allowed her to work with children and young women in the Public Health realm. Children brought joy and delight to Marlene her entire life, especially her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family.
She returned to Phoenix in June 1976 to be closer to her family. She became involved with her church and while attending a singles get-together met Ralph Bloomquist. They married on June 3, 1977. Soon after Marlene and Ralph moved to Camp Verde. The air was cleaner and helped with Marlene's breathing and Ralph could again do his favorite past time, fishing, although not in the Mississippi River where he loved to fish but in the Verde River. Marlene's boys were grown and living in Phoenix and Tucson and she could visit frequently with them. Marlene continued to follow her passion, working in the Public Health system with children. She also began to pursue her interest in the study of herbs for healing and was thrilled to be able to have her own garden and grow her own herbs. She enjoyed working with her church family in Camp Verde and Cottonwood. She even became a Tour Guide at Montezuma's Castle!
In 2004 after Ralph's death, Marlene moved to Tucson to be closer to her family. Her oldest son Dean had been killed in an automobile accident in 1993 and her daughter-in-law, Joan and their 5 children were in Tucson as well as her sons, Paul and John. Youngest son, Mark was close, living in Phoenix. Marlene enjoyed helping with her grandchildren as well as being involved in her church. In Tucson she began to study Reflexology and Massage Therapy. Marlene was known to take advantage of every minute of life. She was an avid reader, was teaching herself to play the piano, attempting to follow her youngest sister in learning to paint watercolors and she continued to crotchet items for her family and for the needy. She cared for a young girl with special needs during this time also.
2010 was the year of the diagnosis of Cancer that was to be Marlene's greatest fight. Her work ethic and determination did not diminish during this time. She endured many treatments, surgeries, and changes in her life. She met these with grace and poise, never complaining and always fighting with a positive attitude. Marlene continued to be a great faith-filled woman, relying on her faith to endure this fight to the end.
Marlene was preceded in death by her son, Norman "Dean" Adkins and her husband Ralph Delbert Bloomquist. Marlene leaves behind her daughter-in-law Joan (Tom) Taylor, Tucson; sons: John Adkins, and Paul (Betty) Adkins, of Tucson and Mark Adkins of Phoenix. Marlene's family also includes her siblings: Mary Ellen Fawcett of Phoenix; John K. (Phyllis) Musselman of Parks, Arizona; James A. (Cindy) Musselman of Phoenix, Patricia L. (Dan) Stephens of Higley, Arizona, 9 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. A special note of thanks to Debbie Hudson Scherr for her support.
Services will be at East Lawn Palms Mortuary at 11 am, Saturday, August 12, 2017 with internment following at East Lawn Palms Cemetery, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson AZ 85712. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or TMC Hospice/Peppi's House.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery.
3 Entries
August 9, 2017
Merlin & Susan
We are so grateful that we received the phone call two weeks ago that prompted us to make the trip to Tuscon, so we could say I love you and kiss her goodbye. We share in your loss and know that her suffering is over and peace awaits her.
August 9, 2017
Words can't express how saddened we are to hear of your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Love, prayers and hugs Ralph (Ted) and Dorothy Bloomquist
August 9, 2017
Betty Adkins
Will miss you dearly you were there for me when I needed a mom thank you I love you rip
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East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712
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