Marlen Jerome Georgia

Marlen Jerome Georgia, 81, of Iona, passed away November 23, 2021, at his home.

Marlen was born January 19, 1940, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Everett Jerome Georgia and Myrl  Gardner Georgia.  He grew up and attended schools in Idaho Falls and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. He also attended Ricks College, BYU, where he earned a bachelor’s degree, and ASU, where he earned a master’s degree.

On August 30, 1963, he married Linda May Bithell in the Idaho Falls Temple. Marlen and Linda lived in Arizona, Utah, and Ririe, Idaho, for 30 years, and most recently in Milo and Iona. Marlen worked as an educator in School Districts 93 and 91. He was a beloved teacher and found a lot of joy and fulfillment in that vocation.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Marlen served in the Southwest Indian Mission, primarily working with the Navajo People. He served in many callings including a Bishop, High Counselor, Scout Master, and, with his wife Linda, as a senior missionary, again working with the Navajo People, in the New Mexico, Albuquerque Mission. He had a deep love for the Navajo People and their culture. Following which they served two family history missions. He enjoyed reading, fishing, BYU sports, art, silver smithing, and tying flies. Marlen was a hard worker, and taught his kids the value of work.

Marlen is survived by his loving wife, Linda Georgia of Iona, ID; son, Paul (Jennifer) Georgia of Haymarket, VA; daughter, NaLyn (Jason) Nelson of Hyrum, UT; daughter, Jean (Dan) Hunting of Iona, ID; daughter, Kathy (Jeff) Lords of Chandler, AZ; daughter, Molly (Ken) Climer of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Ben (Hillary) Georgia of Lockport, NY; daughter, Jennifer (Juan) Arias of Charlotte, NC; daughter, Kerry (Michael) Haack of Oklahoma City, OK; son, Neal (Janie) Georgia of Caldwell, ID; 54 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Iona 1st Ward, 5169 Denning Avenue, with Bishop Craig Curtis officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.  Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.