Marlene Alice Wright, known to all as “Molly,” passed away on January 13, 2024, in Yucaipa, Calif. She was surrounded by loved ones.

Molly was born on July 5, 1936, in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, to Bert and Della Pihlaja. She grew up on a farm in New York Mills. After graduating from School District 192, she attended New York Mills High School and was a member of her high school choir. She kept in touch with many of her classmates from the class of 1954 throughout the years and attended many reunions. She later attended San Bernardino Valley College in California.

Molly married the late Gilbert J. Guck on January 26, 1954, and they had two children, Timothy Guck and Ivy Guck Portias, whom she dearly loved.

In the late 1950s, Molly moved with her family to San Bernardino, Calif. She worked for the San Bernardino County Probation Department, Juvenile Legal Division. Molly was a caring supervisor who never forgot a birthday or an important moment in an employee’s life. She retired after twenty-eight and a half years of dedicated service.

Molly found love again and was married to Odie Wright on July 26, 2004. They made the most of their time together, embarking on memorable road trips, exploring quaint towns off the beaten path, and actively participating in various clubs and organizations they both cherished. Odie passed away on September 3, 2007.

Molly belonged to, supported, and frequented American Legion Post 421 in Highland where she held the position of chaplain for several years. She was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #506. A familiar face at the Highland Senior Center, Molly was asked to promote and lead a shuffleboard class with her husband, Odie. She attended many Red Hat luncheons with the Purple Shadow chapter of Highland.

Although she made friends and had a good time wherever she went, the Tartan of Highland was her favorite place to go – she celebrated many personal and family occasions there. She had been a patron there for over fifty years.

Molly loved to laugh, socialize, and play cards, darts, shuffleboard, and a slot machine or two. She enjoyed spending time with and going out with her children and her sister whenever she could. Music was an ever-present part of her life, particularly the songs of the fifties and sixties, with a special spot in her heart for Willie Nelson and Aaron Neville.

Molly is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband Odie. She is survived by her son, Timothy Guck of Highland, and daughter, Ivy (Guck) Portias of Highland; granddaughter, Katie Haines of San Bernardino; sister, Sharon Miller (Gene) of Highland; niece, Jennell Miller (Mark) of Boulder City, Nevada; and many cousins and friends.

Forever the life of the party, Molly will be remembered for her dazzling smile, sparkling eyes, infectious laughter, and sharp wit; her credo was “tell it like it is”—and she did. Generous to a fault, she loved her family, friends, and the holidays. She never missed an opportunity to be of service. Always ready with a song, a gift, or a joke, she lived life to the fullest with a touch of glitter and a whole lot of pizzazz. She encouraged others to do the same.

Chapel Services will be held at Montecito Cemetery, Cypress Chapel, 3520 E Washington St., Colton, CA on February 12, 2024, at 9 a.m.   A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/colton-ca/marlene-wright-11625297