Marlene Ann Brull, 87, passed away peacefully on July 26,2024, at home surrounded by love and family after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer.
Marlene was born to Nicholas and Catherine (Dreiling) Gabel on September 18, 1936, on the farm in Hyacinth, Kansas. She was a lifelong resident of Ellis County and a 1954 graduate of Girls’ Catholic
High School. Marlene married Charles F. Brull April 7, 1956, in Hays, Kansas, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Through this sacramental union that surpassed 68 years, they were blessed with three children, Michael, Judith, and James. Following high school, Marlene began her career at the Hays Building and Loan Association and continued in the banking business until retirement. She then worked for Dean Ellner Realtors. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Eucharistic Minister to the homebound and a member of both the Daughters of Isabella and Central Association of the Miraculous Medal. As a recipient of the Point of Light award, Marlene volunteered many hours at Thomas More Prep-Marian, including as president of the TMP-Marian Endowment. Marlene served in many organizations and in various capacities including Soroptimist, Hays area Chamber of Commerce, ARC Thrift Shop and Hays Symphony. Marlene freely gave from her heart and resources. Marlene loved spending time with her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was an avid crafter, sewing countless quilts for family, painting ceramics with her grandchildren, and hand-making cards for always-remembered birthdays and anniversaries. Marlene’s life served as a witness to her strong Catholic faith, from which she drew strength and raised her children.
She is survived and fondly loved by her husband, Charles; children - Mike Brull (Denise) of Hays, Judy Hicks (Dave) of Centennial, CO, and Dr. Jim Brull (Anne) of Hays; 9 grandchildren - Brandon Brull, Justin Brull (Sheridan), Jami Breit (Aaron), Jake Brull (Carly), Amanda Hicks, Kate Auriemma (Nick), Julia Keys (Sam), Luke Brull (Megan), and Carmen Brull; 9 great grandchildren - Connor, Cy and Reed Breit (Jami), Tessa, Rex, Griffin and Whit Brull (Justin), Robert Brull (Jake), and Charli Brull (Luke). Marlene is also survived by brother, Gary Gabel, and her best friend and sister, Mary Sauer with her husband, Melvin, along with numerous nieces and nephews, which she cared for deeply.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Dolores Binder and husband Floyd, brother Leon Gabel and wife Mary Ann, brother Wayne Gabel and wife Marie, sister-in-law Ellie Gabel, and newborn brother Anthony.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday at the church and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Tuesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 pm followed by a vigil service at 6:30, all on Monday at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Church or to TMP Endowment. Condolences and memories of Marlene may be left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com.