Marlene Santa, 74, of Manistee, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at home with Joan, Tim, Matt, and Hunter by her side. She was born February 28, 1952, in Sault Ste Marie, the daughter of Alfred and Avis (Collins) Ward.

Marlene met the love of her life, David Albert Santa, and they were married on June 25, 1971, at the Onekama Church of the Brethren.

Marlene enjoyed spending time outdoors tending to her fairy gardens, fishing and camping. Above anything, enjoyed taking care of her loved one and spending time with her family.

She is survived by: her children, Joan (Tim Shoup) Santa of Manistee, Vicky (Jason) Klein of Nebraska, and Christine (Larry Dietz) of Irons; grandchildren, Matthew Shoup, Hunter Shoup, Josh Santa, Paul Hayes, Amber White, William Sullivan, Matthew Dietz and Trevor Dietz; great-grandchildren, Braylynn, Addison, Mason, and Oliver; and her siblings, Martha Cale of Bear Lake, Leon (Noreen) Ward of Brethren, and Kathy (Duke) Ward of Brethren.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, David Santa; her grandson, David L. Santa; two brothers, Lawrence (Duke) Ward, and Leonard Ward; and her parents.

The Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center, in Manistee is in charge of arrangements.

www.oakgrovefh.com