Marietta Smalley Eklund

Marietta Eklund, 78, of Tucson, Arizona passed away at her home in Tucson on February 3, 2026, of ovarian cancer.

She was born in Rochester, Minnesota on October 23, 1947, to Robert and Marietta (Wells) Smalley and raised in Kasson. Mari found her home in Tucson and was passionate about children's education. She taught preschool for more than 25 years and was involved with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church. She was part of the congregation early in its history and has been active in its ministry since 1984 when she moved back to Tucson. Following her stroke in 2007 we witnessed strength, determination, perseverance, and tenacity in her recovery and she became a volunteer and advocate for people living with aphasia. Most recently she was instrumental in founding the Household Blessings ministry at TVLC.

Mari was a devoted mother and grandmother, always seeking to support their endeavors and modeling faith and responsibility, along with a few silly pranks that will bring smiles for years.
Outside of her family, Mari was well-known in the community. If you share the same last name, you are frequently asked if you are related to her which is always followed by the fact that she was their child's preschool teacher. Throughout her courageous battle, her community of friends showed up daily with meals, flowers, and visits to support her and remind her of all the lives she has touched.

Mari is survived by her children: Elise (John) Rothfusz of Mendota, Illinois, Ryan (Corrina) Eklund of Tucson, and Jason (Amy) Eklund of Tucker, Georgia; five grandchildren: Daniel Rothfusz (San Diego, CA), Maxwell Eklund (Gilbert, AZ), David Rothfusz (Mendota, IL), Lucas Eklund (Tucson, AZ), and Anna Rothfusz (Fargo, ND); and her best friend, housemate, and caregiver, Donna Elmquist. She is also survived by her mother Marietta Smalley (Gainesville, TX), and her six siblings John (Linda) Smalley, Robyn (Timothy) Hammond, Pamela (Daniel) Ness, Frederick (Judy) Smalley, Rebecca (Robert) Larson, and Kristina Johnson. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert D. Smalley.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church. Memorial gifts may be given to Tanque Verde Lutheran Church (8625 E. Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749; include Mari Eklund Memorial in the memo to support Household Blessings) or to ARFF-Aphasia Reading with Furry Friends, a collaboration with Pima Animal Care Center (https://www.friendsofpacc.org/donatetoday-1; include APHASIA in the memo or prompt).