Marlys met Ivan Richardson in 1951 and fell helplessly in love and they were married on December 4, 1953 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Marlys and Ivan had four children with each being born in a different state. Steven Richardson was born in Glasgow, Montana; Debra Richardson was born in Pasadena, California, Michael Richardson was born in Mora, Minnesota; and Timothy Richardson was born in Valentine, Nebraska.
Marlys followed Ivan throughout his ministry which included 15 moves: Glasgow, Montana: Pasadena, California; Mora, Minnesota; 1960 forward in Nebraska, Valentine, Lincoln (twice), Douglas, Omaha, Hay Springs, Wahoo, Omaha, Kearney, South Sioux City, St. Paul and finally to Murdock. Marlys and Ivan retired to Omaha. Marlys supported Ivan when he changed to the United Methodist ministry. She raised her four children by herself and held down a job during the week while Ivan attended the Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, MO to become an ordained United Methodist minister. Marlys was active in Ivan’s ministries by editing Ivan’s sermons, helping run teen centers in Hay Springs and in Wahoo Nebraska. Marlys helped in Ivan’s ministries and she also worked as receptionist in doctors’ offices and retired from her last position in Omaha at the age of 67. Marlys volunteered at a local hospital for a year after her retirement.
Marlys favorite past-time was shopping, reading, and spending as much time as she could with her family. Marlys and Ivan were able to travel extensively to places where their son Michael lived from St. Thomas Virgin Island, to Boston, to California, and finally to Palm Springs where they vacationed three months out of the year to be near Mike and to get away for the Nebraska cold winters. Marlys was also able to travel to Hawaii with her husband of 67 years.
She is survived by her four children: Steve (Lisa) Richardson of Papillion, NE; Deb (Erv) Havranek of Elkhorn, NE; Mike Richardson and partner Brian Landerman of Palm Springs, CA; Tim (Mary) Richardson of Omaha, NE; 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Ivan, parents Richard and Gladys Durant, in-laws Donald and Floretta Richardson, sisters Connie Hansen and Gloria Lindberg, brother Russell Durant, brothers-in law, Glen Hansen, Basil Guggisberg, Charges Lindberg, Don Money, and sister-in-law Norma Durant.
Marlys loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She made sure she attended all their events as long as she could. She was very proud of each of her children and helped each in times of need.
Love, Your Family (Steve, Deb, Mike and Tim and the rest of the extended family.)
Celebration of Marlys’ Life: Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church (70th & Cass St.) The family will receive visitors two hours prior to the service.
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