Marla Nold

Marla Arlene Nold, 81, of Gettysburg passed away Friday, October 28, 2016 at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls. She had battled cancer since 2013, with her characteristic grit. 

Funeral services was held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 8, at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg, with Pastor Jeff Adel presiding. Burial followed in the Gettysburg Cemetery. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 7, 2016 at church. All of the grandchildren were pallbearers.

Marla was born August 2, 1935 to Ed and Vera Hobus on the family farm. She cherished her childhood, with siblings Muriel, Manual, and Bub. She would talk of riding her horse to Copp School and of country camaraderie. It was here, too, that her common sense and wry frugality were honed.

She graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1953, attending SDSU for one year. On July 10, 1955, she married Martin Nold, the beloved exasperation of her life. Ahead of the times, she developed Marla-style client relationships with his veterinary and Shorthorn customers. She was proud of the cattle health product business he developed.

Marla had a favorite child—7 of them, to be exact, all married to favorite daughters/sons-in-law: Marj and Rocky Blare, of Ideal; Chuck and Katie Nold, of Onaka; Kim and Bruce Paterson, of Johnston, Iowa; Jerry and Rosie Nold, of Brookings; Roger and Joan Nold, of Morgan, Utah; Joan and Ted Wagner, of Arvada, Colorado; and Beth and Will Hastings, of Eagle River, Alaska.

Exchange student Chris “Finney” Fredman, of Finland, joined the crew in 1989.

She was an extraordinary mother-in-law, but said she learned from the best: her husband’s mother, Katherine Nold.

From 1980-2009, 21 grandchildren were born: Tucker Blare, Trent Blare, Jena (Luke) Littau and Cale (Malori) Blare; Clint (Sarah) Nold, Mark Nold and Jack Nold; Molly Paterson, Caleb Paterson and Carter Paterson; Mary Nold, Emily Nold and Josie Nold; Zach Nold and Jacob Nold; Lydia Wagner and Leo Wagner; Wade Hastings and Paul Hastings. 7 great-grandchildren began arriving in 2009, with another due in January. She is at last catching up on Grandma time with grandsons J.T. Nold and Trevor Paterson.

Marla’s heart unabashedly revolved around family. To the older grandkids, she was a second mom, but to all of them she was a Grandma like no other. She swaddled, scolded, spoiled, baked, played endless board games, attended activities galore and bragged on them all.

Gardening was her outdoor passion and greenhouses were her shopping ‘weakness.’ Marla’s homemaking emphasis was genial hospitality, not pristine housekeeping. There was always room for one more at her kitchen table, with comfort food being her cooking specialty. Her favorite vacation spots were the South Dakota State Fair and her own driveway, every 4^th of July. She was a dear friend to a group of women that spanned generations.

She belonged to the UMC, UMW, Medicine Rock Cattlewomen and SD Cattlewomen. She was a fervent 4-H supporter and Republican Women member.

Grandma Tickle’s hands soothed babies, kneaded dough, held books, stroked cats, crocheted hundreds of potholders/towel toppers and ‘dug in the dirt.’ They were…the most caring of hands.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Marie; her brothers and sister-in-law Ruth Nold Hobus, other in-laws, and two grandsons. Other family members include her sister Muriel Nauman, of Montana, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins.

Memorials will be split between the SD State Fair Norby 4-H Exhibit Hall, Labs 4 Liberty, the UMC building fund and the Potter County Library.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Marla’s arrangements.