Congratulations, Marlene Submitted by Debbie Chase Photo by Becky Strogen

Marlene (McDaniel) Menear, former editor on the MO-13 staff in Morgantown, was honored by friends, coworkers, and family members at a retirement dinner at the Preston County Country Club on Saturday, April 9, 2005. Steve Carpenter (State Soil Scientist and MO-13 Leader) and Dave Kingsbury (MO-13 Soil Data Quality Specialist) served as Masters of Ceremonies.

Steve presented Marlene, an avid collector of WV glassware, a Fenton cranberry glass vase that was inscribed with her name, years of service, and the agency name. The vase was signed by a member of the Fenton family. Steve expressed his appreciation for Marlene’s valuable contributions to MO-13 soil surveys. Dave Kingsbury took a cell phone “call” from NASCAR driver Hideo Fukuyama, who was on his way to the dinner but got delayed at the RAMP dinner in Masontown. Charlotte Wertz (SAO) presented Marlene with several gifts reminiscent of shared experiences through their NRCS careers, and a beautiful angel figurine. Other gifts included a Dale Earnhardt, Jr. T-shirt, flowers, and a “Retirement Fund” pot full of cash from Marlene’s nephew Corey.

Marlene began her SCS/NRCS career as a clerk in the Contracting Section in 1974, and then was purchasing agent from 1982 to 1990. She was a financial clerk in the Business and Finance section until the reorganization of NRCS in 1995, when she was reassigned to the MO-13 staff as an editor. Marlene also served as State Office Safety Officer and as State Office Volunteer Coordinator for many years.

Marlene retired November 27, 2004. She and Ray plan to continue to spend time at Big Bear Lake, show their vintage Mustang at area shows, see friends at the monthly buffet breakfast at the Kingwood VFD, and enjoy trips to the WV State Fair and other destinations. Congratulations to Marlene and best wishes to both her and Ray for a long, happy, healthy retirement.

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