Marlys Jean Jacobson Rustad, born July 14th, 1940, in Crosby, North Dakota, was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Jacobson (Olga Sateren) of Crosby. Marlys was one of five children: Ronald (DiAnn), Dorene (Gary Biesemeier), Marlys (Wallace Rustad), Clarice (d), and Byron (d) (Glenda).

As a child growing up on a wheat farm, Marlys spent most of her days outdoors playing and helping with chores. She earned the nickname "Tuffy" –for being tough and for not catching any common childhood illnesses. She was athletic and very active in the small rural community. An accomplished majorette and gymnast; Marlys regularly marched in parades down main street, leading the way with her baton. Marlys was musical—she played clarinet, piano, and sang in the church choir and for weddings.

Marlys attended Concordia College in MN and later Minot State University in ND. She studied Early Education with a Music minor. It was at Minot State where she met and married Wallace ("Wally") Rustad of Grenora, North Dakota. Wed in 1961, the couple was married for 58 years (until Wally's death in 2019).

Their wedding was a noteworthy event in Crosby. Nearly the entire small town attended as Marlys and her older sister, Dorene, were married in a double wedding ceremony. Marlys and Dorene shone in their matching immaculate lace gowns, and they beamed down the aisle arm in arm with their father. Their mother, an accomplished seamstress, provided many special touches to the celebration. The event was talked about for years, as were the much-loved Jacobson sisters.

Marlys and Wally had three children: Kim Kelly (Clark) of Mobile, AL, Jill Adler (Jon) of Leesburg, VA and Jon Rustad (Amanda) of Tucson, AZ. The Rustads moved to Reston, VA from Bismarck, ND in 1971 when Wally accepted a position in Washington, DC. For the following twenty-five years, Marlys worked as a kindergarten and resource teacher in the Fairfax County Public School System. She was so beloved as a kindergarten teacher that when recognized by former students she never failed to be told that she'd been their "all-time favorite" teacher. In the classroom, Marlys often used innovative techniques with students, earning their rapt attention by talking through her puppet "Mitt the Monkey;" repeating clever mnemonic devices for times tables; and inspiring their imaginations with vibrant bulletin boards. All this, with grace, charm, and high heels.

Teaching was how Marlys showed love. She immersed her grandchildren in computer technology, tactile crafts (no matter how messy) and of course baking and enjoying Norwegian treats made with recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother.

After she retired, Marlys enjoyed life in the River Creek neighborhood of Leesburg, VA., where she and Wally embraced new hobbies and formed lasting friendships. The couple loved socializing at the club and playing golf. Marlys acted as President of the local Women's Golf Association for a term. Throughout the years, Marlys was known to show off her unique athletic skills: winning road races, walking on her hands, and even being convinced to twirl her fire baton! A highlight for Wally and Marlys during their years at River Creek was taking a group of dear friends to North Dakota where the two acted as tour guides, sharing stories of their heritage as the children of Norwegian homesteaders.

For the past several years, Marlys formed deep connections with her soulful caregivers, all of whom have appreciated her sweet nature, sense of humor, and love of singing and dancing to oldies on her jukebox.

Marlys is survived by her siblings Ronald and Dorene and their respective families, and by her three children and seven grandchildren: Julia, Jami, Jessi Adler. Syver Rustad, Avery, Kate (Andy), William (Katie Lynn) Kelly, and one great grandchild: Daisy Kelly. Gifts can be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Reston, VA) where Marlys and Wally were founding members.