Marlys Saari, 78, Minot died on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 in a Minot hospital.

Marlys Mae Saari was born December 29, 1931, on her grandmother's farmstead in Dickey County, near Oakes, ND, the daughter of Elmer and Hattie (Scheffert) Saari. Marlys weighed a pound and a half, which was the start of many obstacles she would defeat in her lifetime. She was always proud to tell people of her journey as an infant. She often spoke of her father placing her in a shoe box filled with cotton and resting her on the oven door to keep her warm.

Marlys attended the Anne Carlson Center and on July 29, 1951, was enrolled at the Grafton State School. She left Grafton on July 5, 1972 and moved to Minot, where she lived independently, blessing many people with her joy and love. Marlys loved being out in the community utilizing her wisdom, personality and wit to befriend all whom she came in contact with over the years.

Marlys took joy in caring for her pet birds. She was a huge basketball and baseball fan, often cheering on her favorite team, the Minnesota Twins. Marlys attended the Hostfest and the ND State Fair every year. She enjoyed putting puzzles together and just spending time with those who cared for her during her lifetime. Marlys meant so much to all of us and those who were blessed to be in her life will truly miss her kind and loving heart.

Surviving family includes: brothers, Dennis (Judy) Saari, Bloomington, MN and Floyd (Gina) Saari, Butte, MT; niece, Darcy (Jason) Schiele, Minot, ND; nephews, Darwin (Sue) Saari, Turtle Lake, ND, Curtis (Michele) Saari, Minot, ND and Jonathan Saari, Salt Lake City, Utah; great-nieces, Amber, Kim and Katrina Schiele, Dana Duchscherer and Heather and Diane Saari; great-nephews, Jason and Drew Saari and James Schiele; uncles, Ben Scheffert and Harry Scheffert, both of Oakes, ND and many friends in the community, including Scott Peterson and all of her friends at Prairie Rose and Easter Seals of Minot.

Marlys was preceded in death by her parents, an infant twin sister, brother, Kenneth Saari, and devoted friend of 40 years, Mike Haugen.

Memorial service: 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 12, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church, Minot, ND;
Interment: Ellendale Community Cemetery, Ellendale, ND;
Visitation: Sunday, April 11, 2010, from noon until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred to Easter Seals.