Marlene Fern Smith
June 16, 1936 - January 28, 2025

Marlene "Marty" Fern Smith of Sturgis, South Dakota passed away on January 28th at the Ft. Meade hospital.

Marty was born June 16, 1936, in Cottonplant, Mississippi to the late Julius "J.C." and Cassie Smith.

Marty enlisted in the United States Army on December of 1957 and completed five years of military service as a Personnel Specialist. She was Honorably Discharged as a Specialist Fifth Class on April 8, 1963. She performed services in Germany and Japan. She was active in the VFW and other military organizations in earlier years. She had lived for many years in Mellette and in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and worked as a nurses' aide. She attended Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She came to Sturgis, South Dakota, and worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for the VA hospital.

Favorite pastimes included trips to Deadwood.

Marty is survived by her daughter, Sonja Klipstine, along with grandchildren Justin (Jamie), Nathaniel (Josey), Joseph (Ashley), and twelve great-grandchildren; sisters, Delores Williams, Faye Martin, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding Marty in death are her parents, J.C. and Cassie Smith; brothers, Donald Smith, Arnold Smith, and sister, Kay Miller.

She was laid to rest at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Marlene Smith