Marlene Marie Larsen (Houk) passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, with her children by her side.

Marlene was born in Myrtle Point, Oregon, and raised in Lompoc, California, where she spent most of her life. Lompoc was more than her hometown. It was where she built a career, raised her family, and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime.

For nearly 30 years, Marlene supported our nation's defense as a highly cleared security specialist at Vandenberg Air Force Base, working for Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) and later ManTech Aegis Research Corp. Her responsibilities often took her to Washington, D.C., and Virginia in support of high-level defense operations, reflecting the trust placed in her and the pride she took in her profession.

If you knew Marlene, you likely remember how effortlessly put together she always was. Whether she was headed to work or simply out for the day, she rarely left the house without her makeup done, her nails polished, her favorite earrings on, and her outfit thoughtfully coordinated. Although her career didn't require formal business attire, Marlene chose to wear it anyway. She thoughtfully laid out her work clothes the night before. Her closet was filled with colorful dresses and skirt suits in bold reds, vibrant pinks, and bright blues, alongside classic black ensembles, all carefully paired with the perfect matching belt and high heels. She had an eye for detail and simply enjoyed putting an outfit together. Some of her daughter's favorite childhood memories are of watching Marlene choose the next day's outfit and slipping into those colorful high heels herself, pretending to be just like Mom.

Outside of work, Marlene never passed up a trip to the snow to go skiing or a sunny California day spent soaking up the sunshine. She found joy in her yard and tending to the garden she loved, where roses and hydrangeas were always among her favorites. Her son fondly remembered helping her in the garden as a toddler, where some of his earliest memories with his mom were made. As her children grew older, Marlene became known as the "cool mom." Many evenings found her sitting on the fireplace hearth, listening to her children's friends, laughing at whatever stories or nonsense they brought through the door, and enjoying their company as much as they enjoyed hers.

To her children, Marlene was a constant source of support. She wasn't the kind of mom who needed to be involved in every detail, but whenever she was needed, she was there. Knowing they could always count on her was one of the greatest comforts she gave her children.

Being known as "Grammie" brought Marlene great joy. She always looked forward to visits from her grandchildren, Hartley, Tatum, Rylan, Ensley, and Soren, and cherished every moment she spent with them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George E. Houk and LaVerne A. Stephens, and her brothers, Tony Val Peters and Terry Stephens Houk.

Marlene is survived by her son, Christian Larsen and his wife, Shelby; her daughter, Tiffany Larsen and her husband, JD; her beloved grandchildren, Hartley, Tatum, Rylan, Ensley, and Soren; her sister, Colleen Valla and her husband, John; her niece, Jamie Johnson (Valla) and her husband, Mike; her nephew, Chad Valla and his wife, Bree; along with extended family and many dear friends.

She also leaves behind her former husband, John Larsen. Though their marriage ended, their friendship endured, and together they continued to share holidays and family milestones, always putting their family first. Their children will always be grateful that they did.

Services will be held Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary, followed by interment at Lompoc Cemetery and a reception at the Lompoc Elks Lodge beginning at 12:00 p.m. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate Marlene's life.

She will be remembered just as she always was: beautifully dressed, her makeup done, her favorite earrings on, and a smile that made her unmistakably herself. While she will be missed beyond words, her family is grateful for the years they shared, the many memories they will forever cherish, and the quiet love she leaves behind.