Obituary: Marlys Jean Skjei

“MARVELOUS MARLYS” as so many knew her! Marlys Jean Skjei, daughter of Sievert and Ida Digre, passed in her sleep, on Dec. 7, 2017, in her home at Las Fuentes Resort Village at the young age of 87.

Marlys Jean Digre was born March 21, 1930, in the quaint town of Madison, Minnesota. She lived the “good life” a small town can offer. She secured her teaching certificate while courting a relationship with her future husband, Otis Ramsland Skjei (also from Madison). They married and made their home in Minneapolis, Minnestoa. There they raised four “Above Average” children.

After visiting with childhood friends who operated the Plaza Bowling Alley in Prescott, Arizona, they decided to make Prescott their new home. Arriving in 1972, they purchased and ran the Apache Lodge, thus securing their place as one of the “Minnesota Mafia.” After a bit, Marlys went on to support Otis’ upholstery business — Shay’s Upholstery — for 32 years.

Marlys had a love of life, had a hug for everyone, never met anyone she didn’t love, enjoyed a good joke and always had an Ole and Lena joke ready to share. She was proud of her hard working Norwegian heritage — Ja’ you betcha! Marlys had the gift of storytelling, especially about herself. Her life centered around her husband, family, home and friends. Many will also remember her for the numerous garage sales she proudly presented with the tag line, “Don’t miss this one!”

Marlys survived her beloved husband, Otis Ramsland Skjei, by nine years. She also is survived by her children, Kathryn Skjei and husband, Steve Oderkirk, and their sons, Sam and Tom; Jody Skjei and her daughters, Alexandra and Keri-Kamryn; Michael Skjei, and his daughters, Erika and Kaycee and Kaycee’s son, Brayden; Mary Whillock, and her daughter, Holly, husband, Lundon, and their sons “Little Lundon,” Miles and Hendrix. She is also survived by the many dear friends that she gathered along the way. She is back dancing with Dad. May she dance forever!

A celebration of Marlys’ life will be held at the American Lutheran Church on Jan. 19, 2018, at 2 p.m. Please join us and as Marlys would say, “Make it a Good Day!”

Information provided by survivors.