Mariam Larsen, age 96, peacefully passed away on January 5, 2024, at Dow Rummel in Sioux Falls. A celebration of her life will take place at Scandia Lutheran Church in Centerville, SD, on Tuesday at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at Riverview Cemetery, Centerville.

Mariam Olive Hybertson was born February 1, 1927 on a farm north of Centerville to Henry and Mathilda "Mattie" (Rud) Hybertson.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and a longtime member of Melhus and Scandia Lutheran Churches in Centerville and Hope Lutheran in Sioux Falls.

Mariam grew up on the farm attending a one room schoolhouse until her freshman year at Centerville High School. She attended Augustana Academy in Canton for her sophomore and junior years, and Viborg High School for her senior year, graduating in 1944. She married Virgil E. Christensen, Viborg, in 1946. They farmed west of Viborg until 1954, when they and their 3 children moved to Sioux Falls.  After a divorce in 1956, Mariam worked as a secretary at Axtell Park Junior High, retiring in 1975. Mariam devoted her Sioux Falls years to working, raising her children, and singing in the Hope Lutheran choir.

In 1969, Mariam married Ivan Larsen of Viborg, and in 1975, they returned to the family farm, caring for her father until his death in 1982 and farming until 1986. She cherished her role as a "farmer's wife," actively participating in garden club, her circle, quilting, coffee gatherings, and Bible studies at Scandia. Grandma Mariam will be remembered for her delicious meals and her baking skills.

In 2008, she made the town of Centerville her home, residing in her apartment until the remarkable age of 95. In June 2022, she gracefully transitioned to Dow Rummel Enhanced Assisted Living in Sioux Falls.

Mariam was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers: Richard, Francis, Floyd, Harvey, two unnamed; two sisters: Harriet Hybertson and Ruth Pearson; her husband Ivan Larsen; two grandchildren: Jeanne Mariam Christensen and Alan Anderberg and one great granddaughter: Zoey Vidal Christensen.

Mariam is survived by her three children: Cheryl (Alan) Cain, Elkton, MD., Ron (Kay) Christensen, Sioux Falls, Craig (Peggy Endres) Christensen, Spokane, WA; five grandchildren: Matthew (Heather Faulkner) Christensen, Ellen (Matt Vidal) Christensen, Rob (Sadie Elkoff) Christensen, Dr. Brian (Dr. Amanda Tullos) Christensen, Daniel (Meaghan Driscoll) Christensen; nine great grandchildren: Tyler (Holly) Anderberg, Haley Anderberg, Sam and Josie Christensen, Remy and Axel Vidal, Mara and Ava Christensen, and Remy Christensen; one great-great granddaughter: Emerald Tisdol.

Mariam has many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends whom she cherished.

The family extends gratitude for the loving care provided by the staff at Dow Rummel and Avera Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Scandia Lutheran Church Capital Improvement Fund. (Scandia Lutheran Church, PO Box 147, Centerville, SD 57104)