Marlene Stibal Reid

Marlene Stibal Reid, 92, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2023 in Shelley, Idaho. She was born in Roberts on Jan 3, 1931, to A.W. “Bill” and Florence Stibal. She was the second of five children born to the couple.

She married Wallace Reid in 1950. They lived at the family ranch in Presto along the Blackfoot River which she came to love dearly. They started with a tiny cabin which was added on to over the years.

Marlene had an admirable work ethic. She surrounded their home with beautiful flowers and a hearty vegetable garden that fed and inspired her family. 

She had an artist’s eye in everything she did. She took up oil painting in mid-life and taught her grandkids by painting rocks with them. A favorite project was painting scenes on old milk cans that are now treasured keepsakes for nearly all the grandchildren. Quilts made from old Levi’s were her specialty and she gave them away freely to friends and family.   

Her home was her haven and she loved sharing time with guests, especially her grandchildren. Her cooking skills were unmatched with delicious treats of cinnamon rolls, donuts, eclairs, gingerbread boys and pies of all kinds. Her mashed potatoes were famous, as was the huge Tupperware full of ice tea in the fridge all summer.  

She worked as an aid for special kids at Firth High School and passed on her love for helping children to her daughters, Cindy and Debbie.  

Marlene loved history and was active in the Bingham County Historical Society where she helped compile the society’s Bingham County History, commemorating Idaho’s centennial. Her family’s roots in the Market Lake Area (Roberts) were always close to her heart. She helped in the renovation of the Jefferson County Museum.  She was a regular and valued contributor to The Shelley Pioneer and the family newsletter, The Presto Press. In her late sixties she traveled to Prague, the Czech Republic, to explore her ancestral homeland.

Marlene not only researched and wrote about history; she visited area schools and made the topic come alive for students. She often dressed in an authentic native dress crafted by Juanita Teton, and eventually set up a tepee in her backyard which hosted events to showcase the local history of her beloved Sho-Ban neighbors.

She was named “Johnny Appleseed” by her grandkids because of her love of planting trees. You can see her handiwork at the Goshen Cemetery in the lovely row of pines where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband and son. 

Marlene had a personal relationship with her Lord Jesus Christ and it is fitting that she left us on the day we celebrate his birth.

Marlene’s devotion to her husband, Wallace, and the Blackfoot River Valley she lived in will be remembered by all.

Marlene is survived by a daughter Debbie Reid-Oleson (George), Blackfoot, son Casey Reid, Firth, and daughter Cindy Telford (Wayne), Shelley, 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Wallace, a son, Clifford Wallace, a grandson, Dakota Oleson, a sister, Evelin Stibal Gisin, and three brothers, Bill, Bob and Jim Stibal.

Marlene loved a good visit. To honor that the family and friends will gather together on her birthday, January 3^rd from 1:00 till 1:50 p.m at Nalder Funeral Home. They will have a brief tribute at 2:00 p.m. There will be a live broadcast of the tribute at 2:00 on Nalder Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations to Presto Preservation Association. 225 N. 400 E. Blackfoot, 83221 .