Marlys LaVonne (Ayres) Blanchette, age 79 of Storden, passed away surrounded by her family Sunday, June 22, 2025 in the comfort of her home after a long battle with cancer. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Storden. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 26 at the Storden Community Center. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Friday.  Interment will be in the Bethany Lutheran Cemetery in Storden. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Marlys LaVonne (Ayres) Blanchette was born December 27, 1945 to Joseph and Lena (Pfarr) Ayres in New Ulm, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. As a kid, she worked hard on her family farm. In 1964, Marlys graduated from Lamberton High School. On April 12, 1969, Marlys married the love of her life William “Bill” Blanchette. They were blessed with five children. Marlys had strong family values and faith and she was never known to complain. She was recognized as grandma, not only to her own grandchildren but to several other kids as well. Marlys was always thinking of others. She would babysit for many families in the community and was well-known for her open door policy. Marlys would often host coffee visits with her friends and sisters. She enjoyed caring, helping and feeding anyone around. Marlys spent 13 years at the Storden Jeffers Elementary School working in the kitchen. Marlys was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Storden and participated in bowling league. She was a lifetime member of Bethany Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School and belonged to the serving group. Marlys loved playing hymns on the organ, polka music and dancing. You could often find her enjoying her flower garden. Marlys was very dedicated to her family and she greatly enjoyed attending her grandkids events. Her kids and grandkids meant everything to her, she was the best grandma ever!

Marlys is survived by her husband Bill; children: Ron Blanchette, Carmen (Darrin) Maloney, Penny Timm (Jim Fester), Kevin (Victoria) Blanchette, and Darla (Dave) Skarupa; grandchildren: Maddox, Emme, Mila, Bailey, Brooke, Josie, King, Kendyl, Kobe, Keaton, Jonah, Hattie and Maggie; sisters: Louise (Charlie) Taylor and Jean (Paul) Leopold; best friend Wandalee Einertson; and many special nieces, relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, infant brother Donald Ayres, Belle Parker and Richard Ayres, and parents-in-law Archie & Arlene Blanchette.