Marlene Y. Baral

Marlene Y. (Cooper) Baral, 94, of Russell, Kansas, and formerly of Bunker Hill, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Russell Regional Hospital.

Marlene was born September 12, 1931, in Dorrance, Kansas. The daughter of Oliver and Leah (Herbel) Cooper. She grew up in Dorrance and graduated from Dorrance High School.

Marlene met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Luther Dean Baral on March 10, 1948, in Toledo, Oregon, where Luther was working for a Saw Mill. Later they returned to Bunker Hill, when Lake Wilson was being built, to raise their family. This union was blessed with two children; Alvin and Gale. Luther preceded her in death on October 6, 2016.

Marlene was a devoted farmer’s wife and homemaker for her children. She was a Cook for the Bear House Café for over thirty years , as well as, many restaurants in the Russell area.

Marlene’s surviving family include her son, Alvin Baral of Bunker Hill, Kansas; daughter, Gale Peck of Wichita, Kansas; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Luther: sisters, Dorothy Bear and Ellamae Driscoll; and an infant brother, Daryl Cooper.

Celebration of Marlene’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, July 17, 2026, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. The family has chosen cremation. Memorials have been established with St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church or Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who are in charge of these arrangements.