Marlas M. Balvin, age 81, of Huron, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at her home under hospice care. Her funeral service will be 1:00 pm on Tuesday, October 22nd at First Presbyterian Church in Huron. Visitation with her family present will be from 5-7 pm on Monday, October 21st at Welter Funeral Home with a time of sharing service at 6:30 pm. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

View Marlas' Memorial Folder

Marlas Mae was born on June 27, 1943, in Huron, South Dakota and was the only child of Albert and Dorothy (Langbehn) Menning. She lived most of her younger years on farms around Wessington, where she went to three different country schools and was active in 4-H. In 8th grade, her family moved to a farm near Wolsey where she completed high school and graduated in 1961. While in high school, Marlas was active in FFA as chapter sweetheart, cheerleading, music and drama.

On September 10, 1961, Marlas married Doug Balvin. The young couple lived in Vermillion for 3 years while Doug completed college. Marlas worked in the office of a manufacturing company in Vermillion. They welcomed their first child, Kristi Kay in Vermillion. When Doug graduated from college, the family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. In December 1965, Marlas, Doug and Kristi moved to Huron and welcomed their son, Dale Douglas. The family lived in Pierre shortly before returning to Huron in 1973 where they have made their home ever since.

Marlas worked at several places including The Thoughtful Shop, rental management, bookkeeping, helping Doug in the CPA office and part-time with Kristi and Dewey at the Zesto. When she wasn't working, Marlas enjoyed golfing and being outdoors. Spending time with her grandchildren was also very important to her. She was a member of the HRMC Auxiliary, PEO, South Dakota Community Foundation, Sprit of Dakota supporter, and First Presbyterian Church. Marlas was presented "Sertoman of the Year."

She is survived by her husband Douglas of Huron; her daughter, Kristi (Dewey) Perrin of Huron; her son, Dale Balvin of Scottsdale, Arizona; three grandchildren, Trevor Balvin of Scottsdale, Tracee (Will) Denton of Gilbert, Arizona, and Todd Balvin of Tempe, Arizona; three great-grandchildren, Emree, Adeline and James Denton; sister-in-law, Virginia Gravelle of Sioux Falls; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Jamee Balvin; sister-in-law, Nancy Balvin; and brother-in-law, Roger Gravelle.