Marva Parsons, 84, passed away Oct. 25, 2019, at Avera Maryhouse in Pierre surrounded by her loving family. 

Rosary service and visitation were held Tuesday, Oct. 29. The funeral was held Wednesday, Oct. 30, at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. A Celebration of Life Reception at Drifters Bar & Grille in Fort Pierre followed the service. 

Marva Nadeen Ammon was born on April 6, 1935, to Fred and Edith Ammon in Lane. Marva grew up on a farm near Woonsocket where she attended and graduated from Woonsocket Public School in 1953. During her school years Marva spent much of her time helping her parents on the family farm. 

Marva married Bob Parsons in the summer of 1953. Bob and Marva moved into an apartment above the family business, Parsons’ Produce, where she worked as the secretary/bookkeeper. Bob and Marva settled on the family farm where they began raising their nine children. In 1968, they moved the family to Pierre. In 1980, Bob and Marva began working in real estate development, which led them into ownership and operation of Meadow Properties, The Furniture Barn, Household Rentals, and Marva’s Christian gift and bookstore, Heavenly Books and Gifts. Marva enjoyed opening up her home to entertain her friends and organizations. 

Marva’s volunteerism impacted her community, her state and her country. She volunteered with the American Cancer Society where she started as the local Block Captain and then became involved at the state level where her leadership allowed her to visit the White House and meet Presidents. Marva was the president of the SD Marvelous Marva Club for over ten years. She helped launch the annual American Cancer Society Spring Salad Luncheon and Styles for Life Style Show. She and Bob maintained Petunia Patches for the City of Pierre beautification project, and she provided guided tours of the State Capitol building. She was also a dedicated member of the Oahe Yacht Club, Catholic Daughters of America, Beta Sigma Phi, St. Margaret’s Band, and SD Republican Women/CenKota.

Marva is survived by her nine children David (Karen) of Spokane, Dean (Deb) of Spearfish, Diane (Dan) Newell of Sioux Falls, Roberta (Ben) Ahrendt of Sioux Falls, Lynnette of Jacksonville Fla., Glennis (Mark) Zarecky of Pierre, Ted (Jayne) of Fort Pierre, Tom of Pierre and Janelle (Tim) Badger of Pierre; 22 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Leora (Dale) Christian of Woonsocket and Marilyn Hollingsworth.

Marva was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert (Bob); her sister, Myrna Jenssen; and brothers-in-law, Tom Jenssen and Les Hollingsworth.