Marlys Jo-Anne Lefever, 64, of Custer, SD, went to be with Our Lord on July 16, 2018, at her home in Custer.

Marlys was born February 20, 1954, to William and Alida (Den Hartog) Sawtell, in Orange, CA.

Marlys was the food service coordinator and cook at Outlaw Ranch for over 20 years. She fed countless people over the last 50 years.

Amber, beloved daughter of Marlys, wishes to share this:  Everything we go through in our life shapes us into who we are. Don't let a season in our life, or a diagnosis we receive define who we are. My mom may have been a beachnut baby model or a woman diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer, but that doesn't define who she was.  What defines my mom is the love she had for her 3 children, 15 grandchildren and 3, almost 4 great grandchildren, and that she gave everything else she had to camp. Her ideas, her talents, her ability to see a need and fill a need. She was amazing at being able to change a whole week's worth of menus in less than an hour to make sure that it accommodated a family or child who had strict dietary needs. She adored Outlaw Ranch, it's always been her 2nd home, her passion, and her love. She considered camp as a way of life and not a "job", although she'd put in way more hours than someone with a fulltime job. She was considered as a camp mom to so many people, and a friend to so many more. The relationships that were built over the last 20 years at camp will most definitely be remembered for years and years to come. Thank you to everyone who loved my mom and kept coming back year after year to share more memories and meals, I will be forever grateful for Outlaw Ranch and all who have been a part of my mom's life for the last 20 years.   All of you helped to shape my mom into who she was and who I am, and who I hope my children become. This is the legacy my mom has created and left for us to see and be a part of.  What legacy are you leaving behind? Creating a bucket list is one thing, but completing it is what's actually important. Enjoy the time you have with family and friends because you just never know what's going to happen and when. Don't just "have a job", live your passion, do God's work and advance his kingdom. In Proverbs 31:25 it says "She is clothed in strength, and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."    In true camp fashion.   Go in Peace and Serve the Lord!

Marlys is survived by her son's family, David and Goldie Yahnel and their children, Hollie Louise; Lyndsie Ann (Lyndsie's daughter, Aspen AnnMarie); Josilyn April and Zoey Elizabeth;  her son's family Eric and Amanda Yahnel and their children, Ashley Nicole (Ashley's sons, Brayden Jacob and Dominic Tyler); Christian Michael; Kolton Flynn; Brooklynn Raynne; MaKenna Presley and Harper Willow; her daughter's family, Amber and Jarred Yates and their children, Madison Nichole Anne; Jaden Danielle Kate; Jaxon James Jacob and Adalynn Elizabeth Grace; and her faithful companion, Abby.

Memorial Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 4, 2018, at Custer Lutheran Fellowship in Custer, with Reverend Pamela Power officiating.

A memorial has been established in Marlys' name to benefit Outlaw Ranch, 12703 Outlaw Ranch Road, Custer, SD 57730.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Custer, SD.