Marlene E. Ernst, 73, of Ontelaunee Twp., died Saturday, August 27, 2011 in Berks Heim where she was since the beginning of August. She was the wife of Raymond L. Ernst. They celebrated 51 years of marriage.

Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late Henry and May (Baer) Fritz. Marlene was a 1956 graduate of Ontelaunee High School. She owned and operated Marlene's Beauty Shop in Leesport for twenty-seven years. She last worked as secretary/treasurer of Ontelaunee Township for more than twenty years, retiring in 2008. Marlene was a member of the Leesport Area Historical Society; former secretary of the Leesport Fire Company; and a member of the the former Ladies Auxiliary of Leesport Fire Company.

Surviving in addition to her husband is one son: Rick R., husband of Tara L. (Parzanese) Ernst, Leesport; one daughter: Terri L. Smith, Mohrsville; five grandchildren: Jeremy, Justin, Joseph, Ashley, and Alyssa; and three great-grandchildren: Maya, Carson, and Marissa. Marlene was predeceased by a brother: James Fritz.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Leesport Area Historical Society, 128 Main Street, P.O. Box 204, Leesport, PA 19533 or Central Berks Lions Club, 2207 Main Street, P.O. Box 302, Centerport, PA 19516. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.