Bio of Marlene Townsend

Spouse: Kelly. Children: Jason Townsend Bird - 22 years old. Janelle Marie Bird - 21 years old. Justin Duane Bird - 16 years old.

Family: We live in a small farming community. We grow a variety of apples, fuji, gala, pink lady, granny smith. The Columbia River is just one mile down from our home and we are surrounded by the Saddle Mountains. It gets very hot since this is considered a desert area. It takes us one hour to get to any real town but it's nice to know your neighbors even if they live right next-door or 20 miles out. Our ward here is very close since we all farm we have a lot in common.

Church: I went from teaching the Laurels to teaching the MiaMaids in the Young Women's program. I also was part of the Stake Girl's Camp this year. What a blast! I love the young girls. They make me feel young again!!! Kelly teaches the 15-16 year olds. What a challenge but he is learning patience? tolerance? humility? Yeah, all of the above.

Education: I graduated from Ricks College (you can tell how long it's been since I've been there) before my mission. When I came home I attended BYU but didn't quite make it to graduation. I got married instead and went to work. Kelly however, did graduate from BYU in Financial Planning. Go figure, financial planning and orchard. Good thing he went to college!!

Work: I job share with another women for the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District. I work as an office accounting clerk. I also do the accounting work for the orchard. Kelly works long hours in the orchard but during January - April he has a tax business in Bellevue.

Hobbies: I love to travel. I spent almost a month in Germany, France & Switzerland last January. I want to go to Italy really bad, and Australia. I also love to garden, sew, camp and act. Kelly loves to fish and fish.

Community Service: I have been involved with the Junior Miss pageant in Mattawa. I usually do the behind the scene stage work. I also have been in three different plays for our community Sunset Theatre. Nunsense was the best. I was a nun!!! I have been involved with the High School Drill Team and Cheerleading Team. If this isn't enough to keep me busy I also volunteer for the school. Whew! I'm tired.

Comps: Now you are really taxing my brain!! I'm sure I can't remember all of them but I will try. Marlayne Mullins, Pam Morgan, Linda Backstrom, Lynette Prince, Iris Vasquez, and ??? Areas Served: Kennedy Honduras, San Pedro Sula Honduras, Costa Rica (mountains), Panama, Nicaragua.

Memories: Sister Vasquez and I were companions in Panama and she was trying to teach me how to give the Hep Shot. I practiced on the orange several times and did all right. Her leg wasn't the same!! After several attempts and several sore pokes we finally gave up. She limped for days. I hope she has recovered. The different Spanish dialects in each country were very unique. I would say my mission was more humbling than anything. Serving the simple at heart and poor was most rewarding.