Inez Sorbe

Inez Marlene Sorbe was born on February 2, 1942, in Levan, Utah, to William and Inez (Stephensen) Sorbe. She passed away on October 31, 2024, in Hurricane, Utah.

Marlene was raised on the family farm in Levan, the fourth of six children. She was a very happy child, and had many friends in Levan and at school in Nephi. She was active in student government at Juab High School, where she graduated in 1960. Marlene graduated from Snow College in Ephraim, Utah with an Associate's Degree. She subsequently graduated from Utah State University in Logan, with a degree in Music Education. Marlene spent her college summers working at Bryce Canyon National Park, where she revived the "State Show" music program.

While Marlene began her teaching career with a short stint in Bakersfield, California, she soon moved to San Francisco where she found work in the financial district and played piano professionally in the evening and on weekends at clubs across the city. However, it wasn't long until she found her way back to the classroom. She spent the remainder of her career as an educator at the Martinez Unified School District in California, where she influenced countless young lives, teaching band and music at Carquinez Middle School and then music and 5th grade at John Swett Elementary School. She was awarded Teacher of the Year, and wrote and directed many musical productions during her career.

Marlene made her home in Vallejo, California, where she lived for 50 years. She was so proud of her home and yard there, and developed life-long friendships in her neighborhood. She regularly performed with the Vallejo Choral Society. Marlene's musical talent was a God-given gift, and she shared it with friends, students, and loved ones throughout her life.

Recently Marlene moved to The Haven, an assisted living facility in Hurricane, Utah, in August of 2024, in order to be closer to family. While her time at The Haven was short, she found friends there, and shared her musical talent with the staff and residents. The family extends their deepest appreciation to the staff and management for their patience and compassionate care over the past few months.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Victor Sorbe and William Sorbe, and sister Clara Ann Paulsen. She is survived by her sisters Glenda Wilson and Kathryn Brazieal, as well as many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Marlene will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Her sweet smile and laugh, and her kindness and generosity, brought light to our lives.

A memorial service in Marlene's honor will be held on Saturday, November 30th, beginning at 11 am, at the Heritage Town Square, 114 South Mill Street, in Virgin, Utah. Interment of Marlene's ashes will be held at the Levan Cemetery during the annual Sorbe family reunion in July.