In Memory of Marlys Bennett

Marlys Bennett, age 87, of Sioux City, Iowa (formerly of Storm Lake, IA) passed away on Friday, November 15, 2019, at Bickford Cottage Memory Care of Sioux City, Iowa.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 21, 2019, at the Silver Creek United Methodist Church of Galva, Iowa, followed by a Celebration of Life at 7:00 p.m., Pastor Kristen D. Boysen will officiate. The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Marlys Bennett was born on December 31, 1931, to Joe W and Ethel (Carlberg) Rydberg, in rural Schaller, IA. She graduated from Galva High School with the class of 1949. Marlys was the first Schaller Popcorn Days Queen.

After high school, she worked in the State Bank of Schaller until her marriage to Bruce Bennett. The couple were united in marriage on February 24, 1952, in the United Methodist Church of Schaller. Marlys and Bruce were blessed with six children: Marilee, Marsha, Alan, Lynda, Kyle and Kevin.

Marlys was a member of the Schaller Presbyterian Church until 1956, when she joined the Silver Creek United Methodist Church. She devoted her time as a Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, UMYF leader, and church treasurer. Marlys was also active in the UMW (United Methodist Women) and held various offices throughout the years.

In her younger years she was active in Galva Music Mothers as all 6 of her children played instruments. She also enjoyed being a 4-H leader, camping, fishing, stamp collecting, summers on the south shore of Storm Lake and winters in Mesa, AZ.

Marlys is survived by her six children, Marilee (Terry) Gayer of Treynor, IA, Marsha (Steve) Hamann of Sac City, IA, Alan (LuAnn) Bennett of Galva, IA, Lynda (Dale) Wiebers of Charter Oak, IA,  and twins Kyle (Robin) Bennett of Schaller, IA and Kevin (Sue) Bennett of Altoona, IA; 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; brother, LuVerne (Marge) Rydberg of Alta, IA; sister, LaMerle Wilson of Holstein, IA; and sister-in-law, Janice Rydberg of Schaller, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Ethel Rydberg; husband, Bruce Bennett; sisters, Joetta Rydberg and Relaine Grotjohn; brothers, Dwayne Rydberg and Ronald Rydberg; and grandson, Justin Gayer.

The family is extremely grateful for the care provided by the staff of Bickford of Sioux City over the last 5 years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to either Silver Creek United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.