Martha "Marty" (McVay) Marken was born on July 8, 1925, in Akron, Ohio. She was the daughter of Grace and Fred McVay. Marty passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at her residence in Brookings, SD at the age of 92.

Marty attended college in Akron, Ohio where she met Jack W. Marken. In 1946, they were united in marriage and one year later they moved to Indiana and started their family. Marty, Jack and their three children then spent a year in England as part of Jack's dissertation studies. After living in Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania the Marken family settled in Brookings in 1967. As the spouse of an SDSU Faculty member, Marty was involved in many SDSU activities. Marty took on the role of hostess to many of the faculty events in Jack's career.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Brookings, involved in many civic organizations, and an avid volunteer within the community. Marty was involved in the Brookings Area Cultural Center. She looked forward every year to helping decorate the special trees for the festival of trees. She also had a special interest in the Jack and Marty Marken Native American Cultural Scholarship of SDSU, and Brookings Backpack Project.

Marty was an avid reader and doll collector. She was a 25-year member of the United Federation of Doll Clubs, a member of the Watertown Doll Club and a founding member of the Dakota Memories Doll Club. She enjoyed bridge club and spending time with her great-grandchildren. Her home was always open to all, with taco soup on the stove and a game of cards on hand.

Left to cherish her memory are her two children Janice (Don) Seeley of Las Vegas, NV and Roger (Michelle) Marken of Gianoog City, Phillipines; five grandchildren Jami (John) Phelps, Chelsea Marken, Jennifer (Scott) Siverhus, Kelly Seeley, Chazadee (Scott) Fuhrman, and eight great grandchildren: Andrew, Kayla, Jenna, Jake, Mya, Will, Allie & Austin, and many other relatives and special friends.

Marty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of nearly 60 years, Jack W Marken in 2005, son, Hal Marken, and siblings Bill, Katherine and Mary Anne, and several other family and friends.

Special thanks from the family to Cheryl Huyck, who provided special care to Marty in the past year.

A private memorial service was held at Marty's home in Brookings, SD for family members.

In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions honoring Marty may be directed to the Jack & Marty Marken Native American Scholarship Endowment at SDSU held at the SDSU Foundation, Lohr Building, 815 Medary Avenue, Brookings, SD 57006.