Marion Higbee, 85, died January 31 in Newport, Oregon. She had made her home in Spearfish for 45 years.

She was born December 12, 1932, in Hager City, Wisconsin to Leonard and Dorothy Winjum. Marion graduated from Red Wing (Minnesota) High School in 1950 and moved to Iowa for work. There she met Walter Higbee. The couple married December 22, 1951 and over the years lived in Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada and South Dakota. Six children -- three sons and three daughters -- were born.

The family moved to Spearfish in 1966 when Walter joined the Black Hills State University faculty. Marion was an active part of the Spearfish community, a member of the United Methodist Church, and was especially committed to providing foster care for infants for many years.

After Walter's death in 2009, Marion bought a second home in Yachats, Oregon in 2011. She spent her last several months in nursing care in nearby Newport.

Surviving Marion are sons Paul (Janet) Spearfish; Scott (Elizabeth), Roseville, MN; Rand, Hager City, Wisconsin; and daughters Susan, Yachats, Oregon; Rebecca Slow Bear, Eugene, Oregon; and Elizabeth Slow Bear, Upton, Wyoming. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Spearfish. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to benefit Storybook Island in Rapid City and the United Methodist Church in Spearfish.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com