Marlys Mae Farris

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of one of Austin’s daughters, Marlys Farris. She was born Marlys Bray, of Austin, in May of 1934. While attending Austin High School, she met her future husband, Richard (Dick) Farris as he was known back then. They were married on Christmas Eve in 1951, while he was on military leave from the United States Air Force. She awaited his return from being stationed in England. After returning home, they began their family by having two sons, Monte and Anthony (Tony) in Austin. Work eventually took them to Rochester, MN, where they added Timothy to the fold, and later Craig in Minneapolis. Monte currently resides in Cheyenne, WY, Tony is still in Austin, Tim is in Casper, WY, and Craig lives in Las Vegas, NV. Work took them to Cheyenne, Wyoming with the younger two boys in the late 70’s. After retiring, they would snowbird the winters in San Antonio, TX, and eventually lived there until Rick’s passing in 2010. She didn’t have any ties to Texas, so she chose to return to her hometown of Austin. Eventually, her son Tony would move in to assist and care for her, which he has done faithfully and lovingly, until her passing, May 30th, 2026, at the age of 92. In addition to raising four boys, she enjoyed working in art galleries, attending the symphony and ballet, was a Founder’s Award winner with over 60 years of participation in various sorority chapters of Beta Sigma Phi, and laughing all night while playing Royal Rummy card games when the family would get together for holidays.

She is survived by her four sons; four daughters-in-law; 18 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren with another on the way.

The thing we want our mother to be known for most was her open, kind heart and unwavering dedication to always being polite. “Please,” “Thank you very much,” and “That was very kind of you,” were some of her favorite exchanges. May she rest in peace with all the love of her family.

An outdoor celebration of life for Marlys will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the pond at Skinner’s Hill in Austin, Minnesota. A luncheon will follow at Oak Park Village Clubhouse, 1902 Burr Oak Dr., Austin, MN 55912. Hoff Celebrations – Worlein Chapel, Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.