Marlene McKee Harris, age 80, of Wichita, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, in Wichita, KS. Marlene was born May 29, 1943, in Blackwell, OK to parents Cleet Harold McKee and Bobby Louise Jackson. She moved to Ponca City, OK., where she lived and graduated from Ponca City High School, eventually moving to Wichita in
1966.

Marlene received her bachelor's degree in journalism and master's degree in public administration from Wichita State University. Marlene worked for Friends University as Public Relations Director, and at KAKE-TV as the Public Affairs Director, where she wrote and produced numerous public affairs programs to include Sunday Magazine, which aired locally for several years. Following her time at KAKE-TV, Marlene became the Executive Director of the Kansas Region of the National Conference of Christians and Jews (NCCJ), where she held this position until her retirement.

Marlene was active in the Wichita community and a devoted member of East Heights United Methodist church and choir, however her true calling in life was being a mother. She often hosted pool parties, which not only included her family, but also every family in the cul-de-sac! There was nothing she couldn't sew, decorate, fix, cook, or bake and her famous chocolate chip cookies were second to none. Marlene had a distinct ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and most importantly, loved. She was beautiful, fun- loving, energetic, and dedicated to her faith and family. Her absence is deeply felt, and she will be greatly missed.

Marlene is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Jack Harris; her children, Brad Blake, Whitney (Angela) Blake; stepchildren Stephanie (Sam) Lovelette and Scott Harris; her grandchildren, Tyler, Hayley, Conner, Audrey, Nicholas, Courtney, MacKenzie, Zachary, Hannah, Jared, Madelynne, Emily, Adrian, Amy, and several great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Max (Ann) McKee; sister Sondra (Tony) Vail and brother Mike McKee. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents Cleet Harold McKee and Bobby Louise Jackson, her sister Carol McKee Gerlach and stepson Phillip Paul Harris.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, with Rev. Steve Spencer and Rev. Kim Dickerson-Oard officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial donations to East Heights United Methodist Church.