Obituary of Marlys Rose McDowell

Marlys Rose (Meyer) McDowell was born January 27, 1938, on a farm in Verdi Township near Lake Benton, Minnesota, to William Martin and Rose Augusta (Maass) Meyer. She grew up on the farm, helping her family with chores and attending school. Marlys (Rosey) was a cheerleader, sang in the choir, and was on the student council. Marlys graduated as class salutatorian from Verdi Public School in 1956.

Marlys married the love of her life, Carroll McDowell, in Immanuel Lutheran Church near Lake Benton, Minnesota on December 9, 1956. They moved to Kentucky while Carroll was in the US Army, stationed at Fort Knox. They returned to Minnesota in October of 1957 to help care for the family farm when Carroll's father became ill.

Marlys was primarily a stay-at-home wife/mom/homemaker. She spent her time caring for the house, raising two children, cooking, cleaning, and gardening. Marlys volunteered at school and church. She also briefly worked for Carroll's cousin at a coin shop in Apache Plaza.

Marlys had an easygoing personality and an infectious smile. She was an independent woman who loved to do projects around the house and cabin. Carroll and Marlys loved to travel and enjoyed vacations in places like Jamaica, Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada through Carroll's work. She often talked about their trip to Europe when Carroll retired.

Carroll and Marlys lived in various locations around Minneapolis before buying a house in Crystal, Minnesota, in January of 1965, making it their home together for 55 years (and her home for 58 years).

Marlys is survived by sons, Scott (Jessica) McDowell of Lakeville and Daniel (Leigh) McDowell of Brooklyn Park; grandchildren, Brandon (Kendra) McDowell, Merissa McDowell, and Dylan McDowell; great-grandson Jameson McDowell; many nieces and nephews. Marlys was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll; parents, William and Rose Meyer; siblings, Marilyn, Norma, and Kenneth.

Marlys was active in the neighborhood association and helped plan many Winnetka Park Association neighborhood events. She was active in book club, card club, church, and extension. Marlys and Carroll spent many summers camping with family and friends. In 1976, they bought a cabin at Davis Lake and spent the majority of weekends over the next 47 years.

Marlys enjoyed many activities, including reading, traveling, golf, bowling, horseshoes, cribbage, pinochle, 500, gardening, crafts, and puzzles. She also enjoyed ice cream and cheesecake. Her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those she met. Marlys and Carroll remained happily married for almost 64 years.  Marlys enjoyed spending time her family, time at the cabin, and living independently until her death on November 9, 2023.

A celebration of life will be held for Marlys on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 3PM at Pilgrim United Methodist Church in Plymouth, MN.