Geneva Marlene Mollett Wells
1934—2024
Geneva Marlene Mollett Wells, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away in hospice care Oct. 26, 2024, at the age of 90 due to complications from a fall.
Marlene was born Aug. 27, 1934, in Paintsville to Nellie Ward Mollett and Delbert “Dutch” Mollett.
She grew up in Boons Camp, very near the home of Marcus Wells, who she would one day marry.
Marlene graduated from Meade Memorial High School in Williamsport in 1952. She then attended Pikeville College in Pikeville, where she earned her teaching degree in 1955 and then briefly taught elementary school.
On Sept. 15, 1955, she married Marcus Wells, beginning a partnership that would span decades.
In 1955, Marlene and Marcus opened their first grocery store in Tomahawk, where they lived in a small apartment above the store in the early years of their marriage. After the birth of their daughter, Jane Marc, in 1958, the couple briefly opened a grocery store in Boons Camp (as Marlene’s own parents had done previously) but soon decided to return to Tomahawk to pursue their own paths. Eventually, they built and opened Wells’ Foodtown, a larger grocery store, which became a cornerstone of the community for many years. Both Marlene and Marcus developed close, warm bonds with their customers and their employees (as well as their families) and maintained connections with them long after the store closed.
The joys of family life blossomed for Marlene and Marcus with the arrival of their first grandchild, Rachel Wells Chaknova, in 1997. Just over a year later, Marcus passed away suddenly, at the age of 66, in 1998, following heart surgery. In 1999, their second grandchild, Marcus Jacob Chaknova, was born. In 2005, seeking to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren, Marlene moved to Longmont, Colorado.
A devoted grandmother known as “Mimi,” Marlene cherished her time with Rachel and Marcus, hosting them at her home in Kentucky and creating lasting memories through family vacations and everyday moments, such as volunteering in their school, getting to know their friends (who also called her “Mimi”) and driving them to their various activities. Her love for writing, music, and social media allowed her to maintain long-distance connections with friends and family in Kentucky, keeping her spirit and ties to her roots vibrant.
Marlene spent her last four years at Alta Vita Assisted Living in Longmont, where she formed close friendships with residents and staff, enjoying their social gatherings. She remained actively engaged with her extensive network of Kentucky friends and family, following their lives and growth until just before her passing.
Marlene is survived by her daughter, Jane Marc Wells, of Niwot, Colorado; her granddaughter, Rachel Wells Taylor (Alec Taylor) of Broomfield, Colorado; and her grandson, Marcus Jacob Chaknova (Skye Whitney) of Eugene/Newport, Oregon. She considered Alec and Skye her beloved grandchildren, too.
Marlene will be remembered for the warmth, kindness and support she consistently showed to her family and friends. Also remarkable was her ability to adapt to the changes in her life over time, which she accepted with bravery and determination.
Her wish to be cremated was honored. No services are planned at this time, but her cremains will be buried in the spring or summer of 2025 at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery next to Marcus.