Marilyn McNeely, 86 of Springfield

Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the United Church of Christ in Springfield, with inurnment at the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Marilyn died Sunday, March 11, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Center in Scotland.
Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Springfield is in charge of the arrangements.

Marilyn Jean McNeely was born March 20, 1931 on a farm near Calvin, ND, the daughter of Alexander "Mac" and Ruth (Heller) McKechnie. She died Sunday, March 11, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Center in Scotland.

Marilyn was one of eight children. She was a caregiver for several of her siblings and supported them throughout her life, especially her youngest brother, David.

Marilyn's family moved from the farm to Sioux Falls during WWII. She graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls in 1949. She graduated from Southern State Teacher's College in Springfield and later obtained her MA from the University of South Dakota-Vermillion.

Marilyn was united in marriage to Arlon "Bud" McNeely on October 18, 1952 in Sioux Falls. They frequently moved as Bud served over 30 years in military service, and was an educator and school administrator for many years in numerous communities, mostly along the Missouri River. Marilyn was a humble servant who willingly supported Bud in everything he did and being a good soldier's wife, supported her family in all ways. She loved being an educator. She helped everyone who needed a hand and was very active in the community.

Marilyn will be remembered for her love of china painting. She was a former president of the South Dakota China Painters Association. She enjoyed vegetable gardening, flowers and plants, and reading. Marilyn enjoyed supporting the Senior Center and provided apples for many years from their apple trees. Marilyn was a talented musician in her younger years. She travelled throughout the country with the Washington High School Band.

Marilyn was a member of the UCC Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. She also was very active in the Springfield Museum.

Thankful for having shared her life are her two sons: Guy and wife Carleen of Yankton and Jay of Springfield; four grandkids: Alex, Kathryn, Jesse McNeely and Misty Lindgren; three great grandkids: Ethan, Jacob and Lucas McNeely; two brothers: Alan John McKechnie of Seattle, WA and David McKechnie of Sioux Falls; two sisters: Carol (Ed) Preisendorfer of Grants Pass, OR and Judith Fingar of Seattle, WA; and many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Bud on April 15, 2016, parents, and three brothers: Don, James, and John, who died in infancy.