Marlys Jean Blacksten, 87, of Mitchell passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Monday, September 23, 2024 at First Lutheran Church; burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Sunday, September 22, 2024 at Will Funeral Chapel.

Marlys was born on January 10, 1937 to Leon Krueger and Pauline (Fuerst) Krueger on a farm East of Parkston. She attended and graduated from Mitchell High School in 1955. On November 22, 1957 she married DeWayne Blacksten. She attended college at Mankato Commercial College. Marlys lived on the family farm until she moved into town in 1984.

She worked as a legal secretary for various attorneys for 24 years. Marlys also worked as a program assistant for the Davison County Farm Service agency for 20 years; retiring on December 31, 2003.

Marlys was a member of First Lutheran Church, Heartland Quilt Guild, James Valley Senior Center, Women of The Moose and the Piecemakers at church. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, embroidery, sewing, quilting and watching movies. Some of her greatest pleasures in life were golfing, going to basketball games, and after retiring, going South to Arizona for the winter.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children; Rick (Sheila) Blacksten, Elbert, CO, Doug (Joleen) Blacksten, Buckeye Lake, OH, Scott Blacksten, Mitchell, SD, Becky (Bryan) Delzer, Aberdeen, SD, grandchildren; Katlyn, Kylee, Jill and David.

She was preceded in death by her husband, DeWayne.