Marlys Maxine Peterson Farnes

Marlys Maxine Peterson Farnes was given the gift of life on July 22, 1949 in Missoula, Montana to Claude and Elaine Peterson. She entered into the arms of her loving Savior at 3:24am February 16, 2018.

She met the love of her life in 4th grade when Larry chased her on the playground with a bumblebee. Six years later, as sophomores in high school their eyes met again in World History. They were inseparable from that day forward and were married on September 14, 1969. For the next 48 years their love of each other and their faith in God was truly beautiful. Through this union they welcomed six wonderful children and willingly, without hesitation, adopted many more into their hearts and home. Her truest joy were her 15 grandchildren whom she adored. She had an unending love for her family.

Marly graduated from Sentinel High School in 1967. She set forth her dream of helping others when she graduated from St. Patrick School of Nursing in 1976. She began her career in the Nursery/NICU at Community Hospital, where she gave a piece of her heart and soul to the most vulnerable. All who knew her knew of her love for babies. After working in the nursery, her career took her to the Emergency Room and most recently Partners in Home Care as well as CareNet. It was at CareNet that she lovingly nurtured women who needed support during unexpected pregnancies. Marly had a wonderful way of calming their fears and giving them hope.

Marly lived life to the fullest with flair, adventure and passion. In her younger years her love of adventure and her feisty competitive spirit, earned her blue ribbons in Western Pleasure horse racing and street credit with her drag racing skills. Her creativity was unmatched, whether it was designing elaborate flower gardens, sewing beautiful blankets or knitting sweaters. Throughout the years, countless families were blessed by her amazing sewing abilities. Marly enjoyed being in the sun, laughing with friends, and a great margarita.

Marly loved spending time with her family and friends and touched the lives of everyone she met. Her love for Larry was only surpassed by her love of Jesus. She will be dearly missed, however, we rejoice in the knowledge that she is in the presence of her Savior.

She is survived by her loving husband, Larry, Missoula: daughter Pam Orebaugh (Chad) grandchildren Michael, Cohl, Kailee, Mason, Sarah; son Craig Farnes (Shannon) grandchildren Dylan and Olivia; son Ryan Farnes (Kristy) grandchildren Matthew and Chase; daughter Jenny Hettman (Chad) grandchildren Adam and Tyler; son Tim Farnes (Ceressa) grandchild Brenden; son Nathan Farnes (Brandi) grandchildren Natalie, Hunter, Rhylee. Siblings Gary Peterson (Kay), Lorin Peterson (Audrey), Craig Peterson (Cheri), Joyce Cole (Neil) and her best friend and sister in law Kathy Farnes as well as numerous other family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Lolo Community Church on Thursday, February 22, at 12:30. Following the service a light lunch will be provided with time for fellowship.