Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
https://www.facebook.com/bachelorsurber (Link Facebook live to view the Graveside Funeral Services)
Obituary of Marlene L. Skipton
Marlene Lou Skipton, the daughter of Ed Cross and Elizabeth (Zurfluh) Cross was born December 25, 1938 in Haddam, Kansas and passed away on January 6, 2026 at Belleville, Kansas at the age of 87.
Marlene grew up near Haddam, attending the local rural schools, graduating from Haddam High School in 1956. On December 17, 1955, she was united in marriage to Donald E. Skipton and to this union were born: Donald Jr., Marlin, Danna, and David.
Marlene lived in Morrowville, KS and Mahaska, KS where her husband taught school and was a secretary at the Haddam Grade School. She later worked at Mark Clark in Belleville, KS for several years. In 1976, she moved to Ashland, KS where she worked at a nursing home for two years. Then, in 1978, Marlene moved to Lenora, Kansas and later in 1991 moved to Norton, KS where she worked for 20 years at Norton County Hospital, starting in housekeeping and moving to the business office, retiring in 1997. The couple later moved to Belleville, Kansas in 2014 to make their home.
Marlene was a Cub Scout leader in Morrowville and Haddam in the 60’s and early 70’s. She and her husband were members of the International Brotherhood of Motorcycle Campers, participating in campouts and traveling all over the country, along with hosting many local campouts. They also enjoyed RV camping, spending several winters in Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald E. Skipton in 2016; daughter, Danna Skipton; great granddaughter, Brianna; brother, Roy Dean Cross; and half-brother, John Keller.
Marlene is survived by three sons, Donald Skipton, Jr. of Houston, TX, Marlin Skipton of Lynwood, WA, and David Skipton of Smith Center, KS; Three grandchildren, Jesse Skipton, Lisa Conover, and Amy Harris; 6 great grandchildren, Payton Conover, Riley Conover, Skylar Conover, Hannah Skipton, Samantha Harris, and Alexander Harris; nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Haddam Cemetery, Haddam, KS with Pastor Kathy Aeillo, officiating, with interment to follow.
The casket has been closed. Visitation will be from 2 PM until 7 PM on Friday, January 9, 2026 at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS where the family will greet friends from 5 PM until 7 PM on Friday.
Memorials are suggested to the Republic County Hospital and may be left at the funeral home or mailed to Bachelor-Surber, P.O. Box 326, Belleville, KS 66935
Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com
Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, 1322 19th ST, Belleville, KS is assisting the family with the arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marlene L. (Cross) Skipton, please visit our floral store.