Marlene Jolliffe, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, under the care of CHI St. Alexius. Born on October 31, 1932, in Rolla, North Dakota, to Grace and Fred Ruppelius, Marlene carried the warmth of her hometown throughout her life.

A celebration of Marlene’s life will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. where all who knew her can share in remembering a remarkable woman whose heart touched so many. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Bottineau, N.D in the spring.

She married Monte Jolliffe and together they raised five children in Bottineau, North Dakota. Marlene built a long career working for the Selective Service, Theel Chevrolet and Farm Credit Services where she retired. Even in retirement, she stayed active and connected, working part-time at the Four Corners Gas and Grocery Store at Lake Metigoshe, a place she loved for the friendships and familiar faces that made every day brighter.

Marlene’s heart was always in her community—whether she was serving with Cheer Boxes, participating in the Methodist Church, Lions Club, or Eastern Star, she found joy in helping others and bringing comfort to those around her.

Marlene was a woman of spirit and fun. She could be found on the golf course enjoying ladies’ night, fiercely competitive yet always full of laughter, or at the bowling lanes, cheering on her teammates and making every game a memory.

Family was Marlene’s greatest joy. She cherished gatherings with her children—Kerry (Steve) Tessmann, Rodney “Skip” Jolliffe, Kristie (Mylo) Wolding, Robin (John) Halvorson, and Nicky (Rhonda) Jolliffe—along with her 13 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Holidays and milestones were never complete without her warmth, her stories, and her laughter filling the room.

Marlene is now reunited in heaven with her beloved son Nicky Jolliffe, and her siblings Merlin (Buck) Ruppelius, William (Bill) Ruppelius, Emily (Sis) Zarkus, and Ardith McCarthy. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to family and community.