Obituary of Marla Jean Doden

Marla Jean Doden (Gonzales), 64, passed away September 27, 2016 following an extended illness. Marla was born May 24, 1952 in Monticello, Iowa, the daughter of Vernon and Odelia Doden. She attended Monticello Schools and Kirkwood community college. Marla married Michael M. Jacobs in 1973, and they made their home in Scotch Grove, Iowa, raising three daughters: Keri Jacobs (Ames, Iowa), Jennifer Saunders (Colorado Springs, CO), and Michelle Prull (Monticello, IA). Marla left Iowa in 1998 and moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado and then to Santa Fe, New Mexico. She worked as an interior decorator in Colorado and later as an accounts manager at a boutique art and furniture gallery in Santa Fe. It was there that she met Donald Gonzales, whom she married in 2005. The couple resided in Abiquiu, New Mexico. In early 2016 Marla returned to Iowa to be close to her family. Regardless of where she called home, Marla loved visiting family and friends, dancing, being outdoors, and always enjoyed gardening and landscaping. Her children recall fondly memories with her on family ski vacations, card club and trips with friends, summer visits to lakes, and spending summer hours in her gardens. Her time in New Mexico was filled with tending to a beautiful ranch, hiking, camping, horse-back riding, and being with friends. She was inspired by the beauty of the mountains and shared her appreciation of life in New Mexico with her family. Most of all, Marla loved being a Grandma; she adored her grandsons Cody Saunders and Calvin, Alex and Daniel Prull. Marla is survived by her mother, Odelia Doden of Monticello; her three children: Keri Jacobs of Ames, IA, Jennifer (Craig) Saunders of Colorado Springs, CO and Michelle (Todd) Prull of Monticello; grandchildren: Cody Saunders, Calvin, Alex and Daniel Prull; and siblings: Dianne (Todd) Hummel of Buena Vista, CO, Cathy (Mike) Kirley of Woodbury, MN, Greg (Cheryle) Doden of Pittsburg, CA, Sharon (Robert) Caldwell of Cedar Rapids, IA, Patrice (Johnny) Cook of Dubuque, IA, Lynette (John) Fisher of Ellsworth, IA, Lisa Steiner of Monticello, IA, Kim (Joel) Salow of Center Point, IA and Mike (Becki) Doden, of Bend, OR. Marla was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Doden, and sisters, Debbie Berkebile and Rochelle Stasi. Marla will be remembered by those who knew her best as a free spirit: she loved life and lived it on her own terms. She had an infectious smile that could light up a room, and she loved being in the company of her family and many friends. She truly appreciated every day she was given, and, to the end, remained a thoughtful, caring and cherished sister, mother, grandmother, and friend to those she loved. A memorial service to honor Marla and celebrate her life will be held at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello, Iowa on Saturday, October 29, 2016. Friends are welcome to visit with Marla’s family and share their memories of her and condolences from 3:30 – 5:30p. A private service for family will follow. Memorial funds will be used to purchase and plant trees in remembrance of our beloved mom.