Mariam Ella Holmquist, 92, of Doland, SD passed away Thursday, December 4, 2014 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield.

Her funeral will be Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield.

Burial will be in the Ebenezer Mennonite Cemetery near Doland.

Visitation will be Friday, from 5-7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Mariam was born August 20, 1922 to Edward and Ella (Fearber) Newhall. She grew up on their homestead ranch north of Loma, Montana. She graduated from Fort Benton High School, then received her associate's degree at Wessington Springs College and her bachelor's degree at Seattle Pacific College.

She married Burton Holmquist on June 27, 1945. Seven children were born to them, four girls and three boys. They lived 14 years on the Newhall Ranch. In 1963 they moved to Tulare, South Dakota.

After Burton's death Mariam moved to Redfield. There she worked for many years as a volunteer at the Tri County Good Samaritan Center. She enjoyed reading biographies and doing word puzzles. A founding member of the Redfield Baptist Church, she taught Sunday School classes.

Mariam lived a quiet, prayerful and godly life as a witness for Christ. She prayed faithfully for others. Her desire was that all the members of her family would know and love God.

Her most important role was that of a loving homemaker for her husband, children and grandchildren which gave her much joy. She will be remembered as a beloved mother and grandmother, and a dear friend.

Mariam is survived by her children Mary (Gary) Stutte, Ralph (Elaine) Holmquist, Ruth (Dale) Waterman, Margaret (Darch) Clampitt, John (Deanna) Holmquist, Jim Holmquist, Jane Fernandez, Twenty one grandchildren , and four great grandchildren.

She has been preceded in death by her husband Burton Holmquist and grandson Keith Waterman.

"A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise . . ." Proverbs 31: 30-31 NIV