B. Marlene Chastain, 77, of Crawfordsville, passed into the hands of the Lord on Feb. 16, 2011.

Marlene was born in Crawfordsville on June 22, 1933 to the late W. Marion Cowan and M. Margret Snyder Cowan. She married her husband of 55 years, Richard Chastain, on June 12, 1955.

Marlene was a loving mother of four children, Cindy (Pete) Chastain McCormick of Avon, David (Deidra) Chastain of Bloomington, Jeff (Kathy) Chastain of Crawfordsville and Laura (Les) Smith of Green Bay, Wis.

Marlene is survived by her husband and four children as well as six grandchildren, Chris (Amy) Smith currently serving in Iraq, Nathan and Jacob Smith of Green Bay, Wis., Hunter and Clay Chastain of Crawfordsville, Marce' Chastain of Bloomington, and one brother, Bill Cowan, of Orleans. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was a homemaker and teacher. She taught Home Economics at many schools (Buck Creek, LaPorte, New Market and Darlington) but she will be most remembered for her 17 years at North Montgomery High School where she touched many young hearts and minds.

Marlene graduated from Crawfordsville H.S. in 1951, then from Purdue University in 1955. After graduation she taught for a short time before she, Dick, and daughter Cindy were stationed in Germany, where their next two children, David and Jeff, were born. After returning to Crawfordsville and leaving active duty, their fourth child, Laura, was born. Even though the military was Dick's job it was both of their lives. They gained many close friendships in their time spent with the Army and Army National Guard.

Marlene was an active member of many organizations: Charter member of Near and Far Home Extension, Montgomery County Home Extension, where she served as a state officer, Liberty Chapel Ladies Aid, Director of Area 4 Council on Aging, and Retired Teacher's Association. She was a very active member of Liberty Chapel Church where she served as Secretary for many years.

The family appreciates all of the special prayers for Marlene and her family.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 21, at Liberty Chapel Church, 400 W, 500 N, Crawfordsville, IN. Visitation will be held at Hunt and Son Funeral Home, Crawfordsville, on Feb. 20. from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and again on February 21st, one hour preceding the funeral at the church. The Rev. Allen Sparks will officiate. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Elmdale.

Family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Liberty Chapel at: 1623 N. Sommer Ln., Crawfordsville, IN 47933.