Marlys A. (Simpson) Moore

Marlys Ann Moore, 83, of Dows, passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at her home.

Memorial services for Marlys Moore will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 10:30 AM at First Lutheran Church, 206 West Ellsworth in Dows, with Pastor Laurel Meester officiating. Burial will take place at Otis Grove Cemetery in rural Dows.

Visitation for Marlys Moore will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Marlys, the daughter of Howard and Alma McElvania, was born April 3, 1936 in rural Franklin County. She attended country school and graduated from Popejoy High School in 1953. She was engaged to her high school sweetheart Walter Lyle Moore while he served his country in Germany.

During the time that Walter was away, Marlys attended a telegraph school (hated it). She then became a nanny for Harley and Alma Gardalen’s girls (loved it).

Marlys and Walter were united in marriage on January 22, 1956 at the First Lutheran Church in Dows. They started their life together as turkey farmers, then continued with hogs and grain until their retirement from farming in 1987. During this time, they were blessed with two children, Lynn and Lori. The couple then lived for 10 years in Ramsey, Minnesota. Marlys and Walter retired in 1997 to Dows.

Marlys served the church in many capacities, including being a choir member, singing solos in the Christmas programs, and teaching Kindergarten Sunday School for 20 years. She was involved in compassionate ministries, such as nursing home visitation, the quilting/sewing club, and crocheting garments for newborn babies. She fed the community with a plethora of baked goods. She hosted brunches annually for her high school class and the Christensen girls. She expressed her love and gratitude through cooking.

Serving others came naturally to Marlys. She continually gave her time to school activities, Girl Scouts, and the Dows Welcome Center. She poured all of her love and energy into her children and grandchildren.

Marlys is survived by her two children, Lynn of Ramsey, Minnesota and Lori (John) Payton of San Diego, California; four grandchildren, Ashley, Courtney, John Aaron and Meagan; great-granddaughter Ellie; two sisters Janna (Adrian) DeLeon and Raynette (Archie) Anderson; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Marlys was preceded in death by her parents as well as her husband and life-long love, Walter.