Marion O'Connell

Marion O’Connell, 79 years young, passed away suddenly at home on August 26, 2020. She was born September 5, 1940 to Glenn and Dorothy Manning in Kalispell, MT. She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother and one hell of a friend. She left a legacy of the heart and soul of a family. She is survived by her husband Dennis, her sister Jo Ann Olliphant, sister-in-law Candy Richter and her children Randy (Sandy), Debi Davis (Marvin) and Shawn (Shelley), 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren and 2 nieces whom she loved dearly. Her love for community and life was abundant in how she lived her life. Marion was involved in numerous community activities whether she was serving on the election board, being a 4H leader or a member of the Hodgson Homemakers. She believed in activities for the youth and community involvement.
She married her high school sweetheart where they spent the next 60 years enjoying the farm life together. Life was simple and not always easy but together they were a team thru it all. Denny was once asked how a marriage of 60 years lasted? His reply was “we were an even split – 60/40 every other week”! Denny jokes that her cooking was somewhat suspect in the beginning even though she was raised in a restaurant. She conquered this just as she did with everything she set her mind to. Her pies were legendary and she willingly shared them.
Family meant everything and her family always came first. Her great love of horses had Randy, Debi and Shawn riding before they could walk. This continued each summer with a family pack trip into the mountains. These were treasured times with lifelong memories. She had a unique way with horses and this talent was shared with her comrades on the drill team, The Trailblazers, which brought her great joy. Her last ride was a few week ago with her granddaughter and great granddaughter that she was determined to make happen. She was in the height of her glory when she was on the back of a horse.
Marion was always up for an adventure. When she had the chance to travel to Egypt and Portugal with her sister Jo, she didn’t hesitate. It was the highlight of her retirement. She didn’t know the meaning of the word NO – and when things needed done, she was always there. No matter if it was raking, baling hay or driving grain truck she was there and dinner was always on the table for the whole crew.
There will be an outdoor celebration of life Saturday, August 29th at the O’Connell Family Farm. The farm is located at 2727 Lower Valley Road at noon. Please join us as we honor Marion and share the many memories. Lunch will be served. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

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