Graveside services for Marlys M. Swanson, 91, of Chamberlain, will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2026 ,  (After Memorial Day)  at 10:00 a.m. at Reliance Cemetery.

Marlys May Swanson was born March 25, 1935, in Reliance, South Dakota, to Royal and Naomi (Ocheltree) Cosgrove.

Marlys attended North Cooper School and later attended school in Reliance for most of her childhood, except with a period spent living with her grandparents in Sacramento, California. She treasured the memories she made during her time with them. Marlys graduated from Reliance High School in 1953 and married her high school sweetheart, Garry E. Swanson, on August 30, 1953, in Reliance, South Dakota. Together they raised four children: Lynn, Pamela, Laurie, and Deanna. Over the years, Garry and Marlys lived in Indiana, Colorado, Selby, South Dakota, and eventually made their home in Chamberlain, where they resided for the past 53 years.

Marlys was a member of the Selby and Reliance Methodist Churches, as well as the Chamberlain United Church of Christ. Her faith was an important foundation throughout her life.

Over the years, Marlys held various jobs, but her greatest joy was found in being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Of all the roles she held, being a grandmother was the one she cherished most and where her legacy shines brightest. Marlys and Garry played an active role in the lives of their grandchildren, traveling throughout the state to support them in activities and sporting events.

Marlys also had a passion for genealogy and spent hours researching her family history. She loved storytelling and often shared memories of her childhood and family with those she loved.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Garry; her children, Lynn (Dianne) Swanson of Chamberlain, Pam Houghtaling of Sioux Falls, Laurie Swanson of Watertown, and Deanna (Scott) Handel of Chamberlain; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters, June Griffith of Mooreland, Oklahoma, and Ruth Ann McManus of Reliance; brother-in-law Donald Wagaman of Puyallup, Washington; sister-in-law Carolyn Cosgrove of Chamberlain; brother- and sister-in-law Kermit and Judy Swanson of Chamberlain; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Marlys was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Corrine, John, and Lindy; a granddaughter; a brother-in-law; and a sister-in-law.