Marlys C. Mercer

Marlys C. Mercer, 96, passed October 29, 2020. She was born June 21, 1924 in Hinsdale, MT to Robert J. and Alice (Jones) McElvain. She was the oldest of 4 children.

Upon graduating from Hinsdale High School in 1942 she went to Seattle to work in the shipyards and for Boeing in the war effort. She was proud to be a Rosey the Rivetter.

While in Seattle, Marlys met George R. “Sam” Mercer. They were married in North Carolina on January 6, 1945. They had two children, Gary Robert and Terry Lee. They had one granddaughter, Colleen Mercer and 2 great granddaughters, Emily and Daytona Martin.

When Sam returned home from the war they moved to Texas where Sam worked construction. They moved back to Montana in 1949 because Marlys wanted Terry Lee to be born in Montana. Upon Terry Lee's graduation, Marlys and Sam moved to Nevada to do construction. They returned to Hinsdale after Sam retired.

After retiring they spent over 20 years traveling in their motor home to Arizona for the winter. They met many friends. These friends continued to call and send cards and even stop in to visit her after she could no longer make the trip to Yuma.

In May of 2018 she moved to Shelby and lived at the Marias Heritage Center. While there she met several new friends who encouraged her to play cards and bingo. She was extremely lucky at bingo.

Marlys was a member of the United Methodist Church of Hinsdale, Riverview Order of the Eastern Star, and National Rosie the Rivetters.

She is survived by her sister, Maxine O'Brien (Kenneth) of Kalispell; and son, Gary R Mercer (Barb) of Shelby; granddaughter, Colleen Mercer; and great

granddaughter, Daytona Martin; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Sam; her brother, Robert J. “Bud” McElvain Jr.; sister, Sharon Robinson; son, Terry Lee Mercer; and great granddaughter, Emily Martin.

Services will be Thursday, June 10, at 11:00 Am at United Methodist Church in Hinsdale.

Memorials may be sent to Hinsdale ambulance service, Hinsdale Methodist Church, or the charity of your choice.