Marlys Nellermoe

Marlys Nellermoe, 92, of Pierre, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2024. A Visitation will be held at Feigum Funeral Home on April 8, 2024 from 9:30-10:30am with a Funeral Service beginning at 10:30am. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery. CLICK HERE to watch Marlys's service.
Marlys Elaine Eide Nellermoe was born at home on October 12, 1931 in rural Gregory County, South Dakota to Oakley Eide and Dorotha Burkinshaw Eide. Marlys was the first of five children. As the oldest, she had her pick of chores that were a part of everyday life on a farm. Her favorite was churning butter in the cellar, as it was cool and she could read while she worked.
She graduated from Burke High School in 1949. After securing a job in Pierre with state government, Marlys rode in the mail truck to Pierre to begin a career as a secretary that spanned 43 years.
Marlys married Dale Nellermoe on February 28, 1953 in Pierre. After a wedding trip to New York City, they made their home in Pierre and welcomed three children: Mark (Karren) of Ruston, WA; Debra (Todd) Mortenson of Hayes, and Brian (Kim) of Bourne, TX. Marlys was delighted to be blessed with seven grandchildren: Aaron Nellermoe of Centralia, WA, Brett Nellermoe of WA, Jamie Harris of Polsbo, WA, Quinn Mortenson (Emily Moses) of Hayes, Jack Mortenson of Pierre, Daniel Nellermoe of Bourne, TX and Abigail Nellermoe of Bourne, TX.
As a former farm kid, Marlys retained her love of the outdoors and growing things. Marlys was not hesitant to "employ" the help of her kids to work in her beloved yard. She was the proud recipient of several Yard of the Week awards and enjoyed every minute spent in the yard and garden. She also canned what could arguably be considered the best tomatoes ever. Marlys also raised and froze green beans, leading to another "group activity" of kids snapping all those beans.
Marlys also treasured a variety of pets during her life. Numerous dogs and cats flourished under her care. She did not appreciate the snakes and turtles her sons brought home as pets.
A very fit and active person, Marlys enjoyed her senior strength classes at the YMCA and walked miles each week.
Marlys also had a delightful sense of humor, which was appreciated by friends and family. She looked forward to each week's new joke during phone calls to catch up.
When her health started to decline, Marlys moved to Edgewood for a little extra help. She made many friends there and enjoyed winning lots of prizes at weekly bingo games. Marlys loved her Edgewood family and the staff of St. Mary's Home Health/Hospice.
Marlys is survived by her children, grandchildren, sister Donna Zarling of Spokane, WA, brother Terry (Kate) Eide of St. George, UT, and sister Lynn Eide of Phoenix, AZ. Marlys was preceded in death by her parents Oakley and Dorotha Eide, husband Dale Nellermoe, brother Oakley Eide and brother-in-law Ivan Zarling.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation in Marlys' name be made to the PAWs Animal Rescue in Pierre.