Marcella Elsie (Larsen) Parsons was born on October 13, 1921, and went to be with the Lord on January 2, 2016. She was born on a farm near Hitchcock, S.D., the oldest daughter of Waldemar and Esther (Bucholz) Larsen. At the age of eight the family moved to Sturgis where they lived for two years. They then moved to a ranch east of Custer State Park and in 1933 they moved to another ranch near Custer. Marcella attended High School in Custer and graduated in 1939. After graduation she worked for the County Judge as a secretary. In 1941, she passed a civil service test and went to Washington D.C. to work for the War Production Board.

On April 23, 1942, she married Greer Parsons, also of Custer. They served several years in the service then they returned to Custer to raise their five children and have made Custer their home. They were active in many restaurant businesses for many years and finally retired. Marcella worked for the nursing home for many years and then as a volunteer in many organizations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Greer Parsons; parents, Waldemar and Esther Larson; sisters, Helen Schone of Washington; Frances Watson of Huron; and granddaughter, Rhonda Thompson of New Underwood.

She is survived by her children, Ronald and Linda Parsons of New Underwood; David Parsons of Custer; Linda and Mike Davis of Orange Park, FL; Gary Parsons and Randi of Bowman, N.D.; Billy Joe Parsons of Custer; 16 grandchildren (and spouses); 29 great grandchildren (and spouses) and one great, great grandson.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at the Custer Community Church in Custer with Rev. Richard Behringer officiating. A visitation will 1 hour prior to funeral service. Burial will follow at the Custer Cemetery in Custer.