Marlene Shier

January 18, 1957 - April 1, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marlene Shier, age 68, at her home in Winnemucca, NV, on April 1, 2025.
The only daughter of Robert and Loa Long, she was born in Lovelock, NV on Jan. 18, 1957.
In her youth, she was very active in Girl Scouts and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
From her mother and grandmother she developed a life-long love of quilting. As a young adult she earned a bachelor's in Forestry.
She loved the outdoors, enjoying the views of Mt. Tobin from her garden and the quiet sounds of country life.
She served on the Nevada Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee for many years.
With her first husband, she had a daughter, Loanna Conley.
After their divorce, she moved back to her hometown, where she met her second husband, Craig Shier. Together, they had Melonie Shier, Mechele Shier, James Shier, Paula Shier, and Jennifer Shier.
At the time of her passing, she was a grandmother to eleven, great-grandmother to twelve, and great-great-grandmother to two.
While she was mother to six, she was mom to many!
She valued a good days work, and had a very strong work ethic.
She co-founded a trucking company, a sandwich shop, and a health food store.
She worked at the Model T for a number of years before leaving as the Food and Beverage Manager. Marlene was the Funeral Director of Sonoma Funeral Home for over a decade.
Earning her degree as a Funeral Director gave her much pride.
She volunteered with women’s shelters and children’s programs wherever she lived, particularly those dedicated to domestic violence.
She generously gave to those in need and defended those who could not do so for themselves.
She is survived by her two brothers Russel Long and Richard Talbot, life-long friend Darla Mortensen, and five of her children.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Kenneth Long, her daughter Paula Shier, her stepson Justin Shier, and two grandchildren.
Those wishing to honor her memory with financial contributions, please donate to your local PBS, the Nevada Donor Network, or your local women and children’s shelter.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Sonoma Funeral Home.