Marietta (Burdick) Frank

Marietta Frank (Burdick) was born on March 20, 1931, in Lemmon, South Dakota, to John and Frieda Burdick, and passed away on May 7, 2018, at the age of 87. She grew up in Lemmon with her parents and five older brothers. One of her favorite memories from her childhood was driving across the country in a Model T truck with her father.

She married Bill Frank in November of 1949 and, together, they had 10 children. They later divorced, leaving her to raise all 10 children on her own. While raising the children, she also worked full-time at multiple jobs. Most notable were JC Penney, Pierce Packing and the Dude Rancher Lodge.

Her true passion in life was her family. She was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There is rarely a picture of her without one of her loved ones in her arms or at her side. Throughout her life, she was selfless and always put aside her needs to focus on her family. Although quiet and a woman of few words, she had a great sense of humor and was always able to make you feel loved and appreciated. She was the safety net and rock for her entire family. Her selfless demeanor and her compassion for others will be deeply missed. She will be remembered as the core of the family and the strongest member of it.

Marietta is preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and three sons, Steve, Doug and Craig. She is survived by her one remaining brother, Jim; and seven remaining children, Rich and his children Austin (Josh), Lyndsey (Ray) and their daughter Tatyum; Bonita (Marty Walter, deceased); Tom (Kelly) and their children Matt (Sunny), Kortney (Josh) and their children Kruiz and Knox, Kaitlyn (Jake) and their children Harlow and Tuff; Brad (Kim); Pam (Mike Donahue) and their children Jenna (Shawn) and their children Rylee and Kambree, Kassie (Tyler) and daughter Tayla, Marshall (MaKayla); Jeff (Genia)and their children Ryan and Ashlee; and Mike (Chelsey) and their children Andrew, Peter and Emerson. Marietta is also survived by her dear friends, Sid and Mert Colville, Carol Wardell, and several nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to thank everyone from the RiverStone Hospice House who cared for her during her last weeks and allowed our family to take over the place with crowds of 15 or more at a time, playing cards or bingo, building a puzzle or having a picnic on the back patio. RiverStone made our last few days ones to remember.

Services will be at 4 p.m. Friday, May 25, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., with a celebration of Marietta's life following at the Hampton Inn, 3550 Ember Lane, Billings.

Our family requests that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to RiverStone Health - Hospice Services.