Marlys D. Crites, age 76, of Stevens Point, died on January 3, 2019.

Marlys was born August 29, 1942 to the late Dwight and Phoebe (Haase) Smith in Milwaukee, WI. She grew up in West Allis, WI and attended the local grade school and high school.

She married Richard Blader in 1959 and devoted her life to raising a family. They later divorced.

Marlys was a hard-working single mom until she met James R. Crites. In 1974, Marlys and James married while living in Columbus, OH. The family relocated several times, before settling in the east coast of Florida, the Cape Canaveral area. Marlys worked in the restaurant industry as a waitress, bartender, and as a restaurant manager. After the death of James in 2000, Marlys decided to retire in 2003. A year later, she settled in the Stevens Point, WI area to be closer to family.

Marlys will be remembered for her outspoken persona and sense of humor. Even though she could be feisty at times, her ability to appreciate a good laugh reflected her true loving nature. Marlys’s ability to be kind and supportive will always be cherished by those who confided in her. Family was extremely important to Marlys and she relished spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting, playing organ, and singing.

Survivors include her children, William (Mary) Blader, Debbie (Kevin) Hentges, Dwight (Rise) Blader; and Carmel Blader; grandchildren, Sara (Myron) Herd, Benjamin Blader, Nicholas (Sidney) Blader, Ryan Taylor, Naomi Hentges, Rebbekah Hentges, Kaleb (Rayne) Hentges, Charity (Dane) Berres, and Jeremiah Zidek. She is also survived by numerous beloved great grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Patzwald and Beth Wilcox; nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Crites; and brothers, Dwight Smith Jr. and Robert Smith.

A Celebrations of Life service will be held 2:00 p.m. on January 19, 2019 at Boston Funeral Home. A time of visitation and sharing memories will precede from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Online condolences may be made at www.bostonfuneralhome.net.