Marie Dyrdahl Debenport, widow of Col. Eugene Debenport, ascended to Heaven Tuesday, August 12, 2015. Born March 2, 1918, in Oldham, SD, she was a daughter of the late Albert and Nellie Fugulsby Dyrdahl. Marie died after running "the good race" which was a marathon of more than 97 years. She was first and foremost a faithful follower and servant of her Lord Jesus Christ. She was a loving wife, a wonderful mother, a dedicated family member, and a true friend with an extraordinary servant's heart. As a young woman, Marie left the family farm in South Dakota to become a registered nurse. While working as an Army nurse, she moved to California where she met her husband-to-be, Gene. Soon after their marriage, she left the Army to devote herself to being a Proverbs 31 wife and mother. Marie and Gene moved often as the military and his jobs required, but she faced each new challenge with quiet determination and deep faith. Wherever God placed them, she and Gene immediately began serving in a local Lutheran church. Marie was a member of Redeemer Lutheran longer than any other church, and loved the time she spent volunteering there each week.

Surviving are her boys, Bob Debenport (Linda) of Columbia; Roger Debenport (Jan) and Jim Debenport (Joyce) of St. Louis, MO, and Raymond Young (Janette) of Orlando, FL; ten grandchildren; eight great grandchildren, with another on the way.

The funeral service for Mrs. Debenport will be held 5 o'clock, Sunday evening at Redeemer Lutheran Church with The Rev. Gary Loadholt officiating. The family will greet friends at the church prior to the service beginning at 4 o'clock. Burial will take place Thursday, August 20th in Oldham Lutheran Church Cemetery, Oldham, South Dakota. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 525 St. Andrews Rd, Columbia, 29210 or to First Baptist Church of Columbia, Television Ministry, 1306 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201.