Marlys J. Vara
Vara, Marlys J., 76, retired telephone operator and VP of VIP Sales, died Saturday, August 04, 2007. Rosary 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 15 with Funeral Memorial Service 11:00 A.M., Thursday, August 16, both at St. Elizabeth Chapel, Catholic Care Center. Marlys was an accomplished musician throughout her life, playing violin, ukulele, banjo, piano and organ. Marlys natural musical ability came from her mother and father, who were professional musicians, and consequently her home was always filled with music. Marlys enjoyed watching sports. She loved baseball with a passion. Without question she was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Marlys was also an expert homemaker who never missed cooking daily luscious meals. Anyone who met Marlys loved her smile and kind, gentle demeanor. Preceded in death by her parents Victor and Farrell (Shepherd) Bendel LaCrosse, WI. Survivors: husband, Robert Vara; children, Richard (Maureen) Boenigk of Holmen, WI, Ronald (Lois) Boenigk of La Crosse, WI, Anita Oberwortmann of Wichita, KS, Gina (Dave) Dolieslager of Conway Springs, KS, Sandra Kallenbach of Stoddard, WI, Frank (Barbara) Vara of Union Grove, WI and Elizabeth Hughes of Racine, WI; 15 loving grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Sisters, Donna (Larry) Davis Arvada, CO, Joanne (Fred) Fiers LaCrosse, WI, Patricia (Phil) Bartz LaCrosse, WI, Vicki Grant Flagstaff, AZ and brothers, Richard Bendel of Lacrosse, WI and Donald (Ann) Bendel of Flagstaff, AZ. Memorials have been established with Alzheimers Association, 347 Laura, Wichita, KS, 67211 and Kansas Humane Society, 4215 SE Blvd., Wichita, KS, 67210. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
Rosary 7 P.M., Wednesday, August 15, St. Elizabeth Chapel, Catholic Care Center.
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Rick, Ron,Sandy & Family, I am so sorry for your loss…. words cannot describe what I feel for you my precious lovely niece and nephews. You are the brave and courageous ones… the ones who deserved much more than you received out of this life. The heroes, the survivors of the world of sin we live in. But wait, there is something else… it is Jesus. He is the One…the Way, The Truth, the Life… I am not speaking of religion here, or works. The scripture says The work of God is to believe in Christ. He suffered everything in his brief life we will ever suffer… he was cast into hell and experienced every evil thing coming against Him. He really does feel our pain and disappointment, everything, all the time….love without end…Grace without end, Mercy without end…Everlasting Love… Our finite minds cannot understand this… Our hearts and our souls can… The relationship to Jesus is personal and not found in empty religious excercises. Pain drives us to Him… We ask Him into our hearts by asking forgiveness of our sins (Bible says ALL have sinned), and asking Him to be Lord of our lives. This is the Gospel, the Good News. There is no price. Jesus paid it on the cross. We don’t have to be good enough and the Scripture says we can’t be even on our best day. Read the Psalms and grieve at this time appointed for grieving, but know this, you will see your Mother Marlys again when you pass into Jesus’ arms. She and Grandpa and Grandma and your Dad will meet you…they will be the first ones you see. They will be healthy and whole and waiting for you to arrive. Many people have testified to this happening that have died and been brought back to life. The Bible is true. Every archaelogical dig in Israel has done nothing but prove over and over again the truth of the Scripture. God is real. He loves you with an everlasting love and He will never abandon us nor forsake us. ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’…. Believe in Him and Him alone. Aunt Vicki Bendel (Grant-Ratzlaff) FireMountainCrystal@hotmail.com
Ron, Rick and Sandy, Sorry to hear of your loss. I met your mother in the 1970s in Kansas. What a stunning woman. I also want to express my sympathy to Joanne’s family, who I have known (on and off) throughout the years. My father also knew Joanne because of the Jazz fest here in La Crosse. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My dear Marlys. I will miss your smile and laugh most of all. You and I could always find something to smile about. I have so many fond memories of times spent with you throughout the years, especially those wonderful years in Overland Park. You were a friend always and someone I could turn to when I needed advice. I know that God has a special place in Heaven for you and that you are there now watching over us.
ps mjrus@auis.net judy
dear cousins sorry to hear about marlys…i was able to get in touch with her several years ago by e-mail, after many years of not (vicki also) being in touch, would like to hear from any of you to catch up on family judy (bendel)rus my dad is daniel bendel
C’mon along, c’mon along – let me take you by the hand – c’mon and hear, c’mon and hear – Alexander’a Ragtime Band ———- For Marlys, our Red-Haired Sister — We knew her way back when ——— We were young and she was ten — and she taught us to sing her favorite old tunes – singing them over and over again – Performing Jolson’s and Judy’s ‘Swanee’, ‘Mammy’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, Old Man River’, ‘Smile’ and ‘Over the Rainbow’ — all before we were four — Marlys strummed uke – Ma on piano, Dad on banjo – and we sang and clapped for more — Our musical bond is everlasting – although the music has paused for now – it plays on and on in our hearts — There’s ‘Stardust’ in our eyes as we close for now — We love you Marlys, and will be tappin our toes and singing with you, Mom and Dad again — just like ‘Old Times’ way back when ——— ‘Come Rain or Come Shine’ — As you said these words many times: ‘Smile though your heart is aching – smile even though it’s breaking ‘ ——— Thanks for the memories — Love from your sisters, Joanne and Pat
When you were ill I looked at you, ravaged by Alzheimers and wonderedwhy you? Why the red haired beauty? Why the woman with splendor inside and out. Frightened teen runaway You came to save me You opened your arms You caress my hair as we drove to the unknown Daughter by chance Friend by choice That was our credo Many years I called to talk Many years you listened Problems at work, cant make it another day Always caring and listening A card came, as many followed: ‘A woman is like a tea bag- you never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.’ Eleanor Roosevelt You helped make me strong. You taught me the depths I could achieve. You molded me into who I am. I thank you for this. I will miss you my friend, my other mother, my mother. May you play music with the angels.
A very kind but strong mother, that I am so greatfull to have known. The music is now turned off, but her grace and wisdom lives on.