Marilyn Sargent

Marilyn T. Sargent age 81 of Belle Fourche, died Saturday November 6, 2010 at the Hospice House in Rapid City. The funeral service will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday November 10th, 2010 at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, with Rev. David Dick officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held in Black Hills National Cemetery, near Sturgis. Marilyn Therese O’Neil was born August 3, 1929 in Richmond Hill, New York. She was the daughter of Walter J. and Mary Francis (Byrne) O’Neil. Marilyn grew up in East Hampton and Brooklyn, New York. She attended high school in East Hampton, New York. After graduating she worked as a telephone operator in New York City. On June 22, 1952 she was united in marriage to Howard E. Sargent Jr. in East Hampton, New York. To this union, two daughters were born: Dayna and Therese. Following their marriage, Marilyn and Howard lived in several states while Howard served his country in the U.S. Air Force. These included North Carolina, Alaska, Texas, England, and California. They lived in California from 1969 until 1993. During these years, Marilyn worked hard as a homemaker, and was always proud to be an Air Force wife. Later, when the girls were in school she worked as a receptionist in the front office of a medical clinic, always being home when the kids arrived back from school. In 1993 she and Howard settled in Belle Fourche where they enjoyed some of the best years of their lives with family, new friends, and a community that they loved. Howard died in 2002. Marilyn enjoyed knitting, bowling, and watching Jeopardy and Notre Dame football on television. She was a member of the Tot-n-20, the Red Hats, the Christian Women’s Club, and the Moose Lodge. She was proud of her Irish heritage, and loved anything with an Irish flavor including music, and decorations. A highlight of her life was her 75th birthday present to Ireland, where she was fortunate to see where her mother was born. As she walked toward that cottage and under the ivy tresses to the front door she exclaimed, “So that’s why I’ve always loved ivy”. Her focus in life was to spread happiness to those around her. Her giving spirit, and quick wit will be missed by all. As her body quickly faded, she said to Dayna, “I’ve had a good life. When it’s your time to go, it’s your time to go”. She left feeling no pain and embracing her ever present and positive attitude. Her family wishes to express thankfulness to everyone who made her last years, her best. She felt accepted and embraced by all she met in Belle Fourche and the beautiful Black Hills. Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Dayna (Dr. Steve) Dick of Piedmont, Terry (Greg) Westover of Aberdeen Idaho; 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and brother, Walter O’Neil of Maryland. She is also survived by her special friend Wilma Dick of Belle Fourche. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard; and 1 grandchild, Eli Westover.