Marlys Marie Smith, age 89 of River Falls, WI, died on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Fairview Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury, MN. Marlys was born the daughter of Stan and Emma Johnson on March 6, 1930 in River Falls, WI. She grew up in River Falls, graduating from River Falls High School with the class of 1948. Marlys was married to Robert G. Smith on May 15, 1950 at St. Bridget Church. Marlys stayed home to raise her brother and their children along with caring for two of her younger cousins. Because of her love for knitting and crocheting she opened the Yarn Shop and later opened, The Red Apple Children’s Store both in River Falls. Later, Marlys sold advertising for the Washington County Bulletin, until retiring in 1995. Marlys was a member of St. Bridget Council of Church Women, where she chaired the funeral committee for many years. She would look forward to coffee and spending time with all her special friends. Marlys and Bob enjoyed their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren when they were young and following all of their activities as they grew. She loved to play Eukre, enjoyed golfing, reading, swimming with the “Mermaids” and spending time at her son Mike’s on Balsam Lake. Marlys was a strong, supportive woman who was very sociable, and Oh, what a “spitfire” she was. She is preceded in death by her parents, Stan and Emma Johnson. Marlys is survived by her husband, Bob Smith; children, Mike (Kathy) Smith, Michele (Howard) Halverson, Melissa (Greg) Godden; grandchildren, Brian (Carol) Smith, Jessica (Mike) Fogarty, Alicia (Nick) Davis, Dan (Crystal) Halverson, Jake Godden, Josh Godden; great-grandchildren, Brandon (Tori Forseth) Smith, Luke Smith, Molly Fogarty, Matthew Fogarty, Shakira Davis, Talan Davis, Corbin Halverson, Benton Halverson; brother, Lynn Johnson; and more relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 11 am at St. Bridget Catholic Church 211 E Division Street River Falls, WI. Visitation was also Saturday from 9-11 am. Interment will be in St. Bridget Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
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River Falls:
(715) 425-8788
2 Comments
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing! I’ve wondered about the two of them often & thought of seeing them when I’m in River Falls (tho that doesn’t happen too often any more). My sympathy to all of you kids…she was a very dear friend when Melissa & Layne, my son, were little. I did out to see her a few times in the years after that, but she has always remained in my heart & thoughts. Blessings to all of you as you go through this early process of missing her…tho this will go on for a long, long time!
Marlys was our good neighbor and long time resident of River Falls township. She was a dedicated election poll worker even into the year 2019. Marlys will be missed.
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