Marlys Marlow

Marlys Marlow

A life well lived. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marlys Fieldsend Marlow, who departed this world on January 12th at the age of 89. She left us peacefully, after a brief stay in hospice.

Marlys Fieldsend Marlow was born on September 9th, 1934, to Lorraine Joyner Fieldsend and Jess Fieldsend in Highmore, SD. The 7th of 9 children, by the time she was 6, both of her parents had passed away, and she and her siblings were taken in by Jay and "Auntie" Rath. This early childhood trauma would forge a fierce loyalty and dedication to family for the rest of Marlys's life.

After high school, she and two girlfriends moved to Rapid City, SD, where Marlys would eventually meet and marry Joseph "Jack" Marlow, a young airman stationed at Ellsworth AFB who had just returned from the Korean War. Together, Marlys and Jack would embark on a life adventure second to none. For nearly three decades, they would build an exceptional career of service to the United States. Through his hard work and her dedicated support, Jack rose quickly to the highest rank possible for an enlisted service member: CMSgt. Their teamwork and success earned Jack consideration for CMSgt of the Air Force. Their service took them around the country and the world, including England, Hawaii, and Alaska. During the Vietnam War, Marlys and their three sons, Jess, Jerry, and Jack, moved back to Highmore, SD, for a year while Jack served overseas.

Retirement came in the early 1990's in Bossier City, La. Most summers, they would escape the brutal Louisiana heat and travel to Highmore to enjoy family. Marlys and Jack traveled to every state in the country as well as throughout Europe. She treasured golfing with her friends in Bossier City and spending precious time with her many grandchildren. Throughout her life of adventure, her family and Highmore remained her "true north", the center of her universe.

Marlys is survived by her sons, Jack "Duke" Marlow of Cheyenne, WY, Jerry (Marilyn) Marlow of Pawleys Island, SC, and Jess (Jill) Marlow of Pierre, SD, her sister Kay Henson of Miller, SD, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Jack, and 7 brothers and sisters.

A special thank you to the wonderful team at Edgewood Assisted Living in Pierre and Avera Hospice for the care and support you gave Marlys and her family.

Per Marlys's wishes, services will not be held at this time. Condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.feigumfh.com.