Marlene A. Hyde, 89, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, at her Lewiston home, with her husband of 66 years and family members present. Marlene Ann Minden was born Aug. 27, 1934, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lewiston, to Bud and Gladys Minden. She was joined by siblings Betty Lou and Buddy Minden. They lived in Lewiston during her early years before moving to Pierce in 1942, where her parents owned the grocery store.
Marlene loved growing up in Pierce and had wonderful memories enduring the hard winters, making lifelong friends and attending Pierce schools. She was an excellent student, and after being voted shyest in 10th grade, was then named friendliest in the 11th. She especially enjoyed learning geography, dreaming of traveling the world and studying journalism. She began her professional career while in high school writing community news articles for the Lewiston Tribune and later for the Clearwater Tribune.
Before her senior year, her parents sold the business and returned to Lewiston, where she completed her senior year at Lewiston High. After high school graduation, Marlene worked as a taxi dispatcher and a phone operator while also attending business school. Later, she worked for Lewiston Pre-Mix, saving money to purchase a new car.
Marlene and Bob Hyde wed Aug. 30, 1957, in Colfax. They moved frequently, living in Dubois, Wyo., Grangeville, Lowell and Kooskia, while Bob worked in the logging industry. In 1965, they moved to Weippe, where they raised their four children and stayed for over 41 years.
Marlene was always a champion for Weippe. She was a member of the city council for 17 years. In her role, she worked to secure Weippe as one of the first Gem Communities in Idaho. As a lifelong Democrat, she was especially proud to accept a $10,000 grant from Governor Andrus.
Marlene and Bob founded the Hilltop Coalition, which was an innovative one-of-a-kind program that raised money and sent local community members with addiction issues to rehabilitation. Through fundraising, community awareness and support, community members received help when they needed it the most.
Marlene was the Weippe Elementary School secretary for 27 years. Her job duties included school nurse, social worker and surrogate mother. Her kindness and compassion found a home among the many students whose lives were touched and enhanced by her love and care.
Marlene’s years raising children also included leadership roles in cub scouts, blue birds, 4-H, membership to Beta Sigma Phi and the Hilltop Heritage Society. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and Weippe Wesleyan Church.
A highlight to retirement was traveling to Hawaii, Mexico, China, Japan, the British Isles, Canada and much of our beautiful nation.
In 2006, Marlene and Bob moved to Lewiston. Marlene loved her years volunteering as a Pink Lady at St. Joseph Hospital and found her new church home at the Orchards United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Bob, and children Shane (Lori) Hyde, Sonya (John) Seufert, Sheila Hyde and Suzanne Hyde, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Marlene’s life was rooted in faith and family. She was greatly loved and will be missed by many.
A family graveside service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Lewis Clark Memorial Gardens. A celebration for life is being planned for March 2 in Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, donate to Timberline Alumni Foundation or charity of your choice.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Friday, January 5, 1:00 PM
- Location
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Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens
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Lewiston, Idaho 83501
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