Marlys Audrey Bair

October 29, 1926 - April 22, 2022


Angels came for my dear sweet mother, Marlys A. Bair. She knew it was her time and welcomed “going home” on April 22, 2022, at 9:15 a.m.

She spent 95½ years exactly on her earthly home. Marlys was born at home in Ransom County, North Dakota on October 29, 1926. She was the first born to parents, Arthur and Anne (Langland) Sundstrom. Their family grew and Marlys was often in charge of entertaining and caring for siblings while her mom worked in their garden. Times were tough during the depression years, and they depended on a big garden. Her grandparents would bring dairy. Her dad would find work where he could, but she “got mighty tired of bologna.” Jobs and life finally took them to Glendive, MT where she graduated from Dawson High School.

At a local dance she met the only man she ever loved. He was a handsome army soldier, Harold Bair, from Wibaux, MT. They danced the night away and became a loving, loyal couple on December 31, 1945. She followed everywhere they were assigned after changing to Air Force life. They welcomed three children together, Nadine, Roger, and baby Diana (whom they lost at 18 months due to pneumonia). The remaining four moved on together, and she made homes for the family in New Jersey, Alaska, and back to North Dakota. They went to the Azores for their final assignment before retirement.

Retirement was not to be a relaxing time. Marlys and Harold purchased a small hay farm/ranch. They worked civil service jobs during the day. Then they drove home to the farm on Fairfield Bench to start working again. They had chickens, cows, horses, and dogs all waiting to be fed and cared for. Then, of course, she had a huge garden to hoe and still somehow found time for canning, haying, and housework. If Harold needed help, she somehow found the energy.

Marlys was so elated when grandbabies started coming, four granddaughters and one special grandson, all the apple of her eye and the loves of her life.

Eventually, Marlys and Harold retired fully and spent winters in Arizona with life-long friends. Marlys was very saddened when relatives, in-laws, out-laws, and friends left for heaven without her. Life changed forever, of course, when Harold left this earth in June 2008. Bravely, Marlys faced life without him.

Seeing Marlys lonely and needing some help around the home led me to believe we should live together and care for each other. For 14 more years, Marlys faced each new day trying to remain strong and loving to her family. She was a rock. She was a pillar. She was an example of a life well lived. She loved her God knowing one day she would be with her Lord, her husband, daughter, sister, brothers, parents, and friends.

The last year of her life was a bit of a struggle. Ill health and the years caught up to her, and she succumbed to a weary body and pneumonia.

Mom, my father always told me to “take care of your mom.” I hope I did you justice with our daily love to each other. I cherish forever the life and love we had together. I will carry on knowing you are at peace and reunited with all who have gone before you. At last, seeing the face of God and being held in his arms, I know without a doubt he said, “well done good and faithful servant – I will love you always.”

Marlys is survived by daughter, Nadine Bair Behm of Great Falls; son, Roger L. Bair of Kettle Falls, WA; brother, Dale (Lillian) Sandstrom of PA; 4 granddaughters, Becky (Jason) Betterley of OR, Wendy (John) Schaffer of Great Falls, Angela K. (Darryl) Wilson of Las Vegas, NV, and Lindsay Oster of North Dakota; grandson, Shawn (Kelsey) Bair of Great Falls, (how she loved those grandbabies); 12 great-grandchildren, Brady, Kassy, Elly, Betsy, Hannah, Lucas, Evens, Wandley, Brendon, Maia, Hayes, and Alex; 6 great-great-grandchildren, Mara, Damien, Keira, Talyn, Ayden, Addie, and another coming soon. My goodness! The legacy of family lives on. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold R. Bair; daughter, Diana; parents; brothers, Merle and infant brother, Don LeRoy; sister, Dorothy; numerous nieces and nephews; and many relatives and friends.

Special mention of people dear to her heart, former son-in-law, Lenny Behm of Minot, ND; and daughters-in-law, Gail and Deb, she loved you as her own.

Thanks be to God for the life of my dearest friend and mother. I know you are dancing with daddy and that will sustain me. “Love you forever, mommy.”

A visitation will take place at Schnider Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel.

Schedule of Services

Visitation

Schnider Funeral Home, Inc.

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  • 1510 13th Street South
    Great Falls, Montana 59405

Funeral Service

Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel

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  • 1410 13th Street South
    Great Falls, MT 59405
  • Reception to follow. Burial will take place in Wibaux, Montana.

Marlys' Guestbook


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