Marlys Ryti

Obituary

Marlys Ann Ryti was born on May 20, 1925, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Helga (Rasmussen) Knobel. Marlys was baptized as an infant in Fergus Falls and was later confirmed in her faith at Spring Lake Park Lutheran Church in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota.  She was a graduate of Murray High School Class of 1943 in St. Paul. Marlys resided in Cosmos and moved to Hutchinson in 1996.

She was employed as the Parish Secretary at Peace Lutheran Church for twenty one years and then as a secretary for fifteen years at Heartland Community Action in Cosmos. She retired at 78.

Throughout her life Marlys volunteered countless hours to many organizations including being a Girl Scout troop leader and held a role in the regional council; the American Cancer Society; and the McLeod Alliance for Domestic Abuse. She was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church sewing quilts for charity and enjoyed the camaraderie of the weekly folding of bulletins. Marlys volunteered at the hospital information desk as part of the Auxiliary.  She also served as secretary of the Village Co-op where she enjoyed the exercise program, cards and socializing with her friends.

Marlys fulfilled her goal of remaining independent until the end and was in her home until hours before her death.  She passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 22, 2018, at the Hutchinson Health Hospital, at the age of 92 years with her family at her bedside. Her strong faith was a comfort to her, her family and friends until her last breath.

Blessed be her memory.

Marlys felt blessed by her family and is survived by:

Daughters, Wendy Sharpe and her husband, Jim Earley, of Golden Valley, MN;
                  Carla Ryti and her husband, William Gilbreath, of Minneapolis, MN;
                  Valerie Cunningham and her husband, Donn, of Hector, MN;

Grandchildren, Peter Lundstrom and his wife, Regan, René Cunningham, and Nicholas Cunningham;

Great-Grandchildren, Jace, Levi, Liberty, and Jax Lundstrom;

Sister, Joyce Reinke of Hutchinson, MN;

Sisters-In-Law, Dorothy Knobel, Audrey Tack, and Annamae Martin;

Brother-in-law, Glen Pudlitzke;

Special nieces and nephews, her Village Co-op family and many friends and relatives.

Marlys is preceded in death by her Parents, Benjamin and Helga Knobel; Brother, Maurice (Moe) Knobel; Great-Grandson, Alexander Lundstrom;  Nephews, Ronald Reinke, David Chorzempa, Scott Gilmer and Alan Pudlitzke;  Niece, Cara Olson; Former husband, Carl Ryti, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws and  many other family members and friends.

Special thank you to Nieces Kim Pearson and Michelle Bullert and Pastor Paulus for coming to the emergency room to comfort Marlys. Thanks also go to the hospital nursing staff.

The family invites everyone to the luncheon at the church immediately following the memorial service.