Marlys Joan (Lubbert) Tjossem

She was married to Clarence Tjossem on October 19, 1952, and soon began Clarence’s Air Force career. The Air Force moved them to Austin in 1971 where they settled and later retired from the USAF in 1977. They made and maintained cherished friendships from all across the country. They were actively involved in square dancing for over 40 years.

Marlys served the Lord in many ways. She loved to sing and participated in choir at every chapel or church they attended. She chose not to work while raising their daughters, instead providing a loving home for them as they grew up. When they returned to Texas, she wanted to do something to help others, so she loved and nurtured 17 foster children over five years. This was her most gratifying act of service. She felt like she was honoring the Lord according to Mark 9:37, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.” She served as President of the Foster Parent Association for two years. After caring for these children, she worked at Texas Parks and Wildlife, retiring in 1995.

She taught 3–4-year-old children in Sunday School at Allandale Baptist Church/Great Hills Baptist Church for over 30 years.

Her two grandsons brought her great joy. She was very proud of the young men they have become. They added two beautiful granddaughters-in-law to her family, then two great grandchildren.

Marlys loved tending to her flowers, sewing, quilting, painting and other crafts. And she loved to bake- there were always cookies or other desserts in her house.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Anna Lubbert, her husband, Clarence Tjossem and her brother, Larry Lubbert.

She is survived by her daughters, Karen Tjossem and Shari Torres (husband Edward), grandsons, Daniel Torres (wife Yvonne and great grandson Wesley) and Michael Torres (wife Amanda and great granddaughter, Charlotte) as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Crestview Skilled Nursing Facility for the care and compassion they showed Marlys in her final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home at 14501 North I-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660 on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Visitation with the family will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the service following at 12:00 p.m. The burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery and there will be a light lunch to follow back at the funeral home. Please consider joining us. Marlys wanted her service to be a celebration, so you are encouraged to wear bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Marlys’ honor to the Crestview Employee Scholarship Fund at 2505 E Villa Maria Rd, Bryan, TX 77802 or Little Rock Children’s Hospital Foundation at

https://support.archildrens.org/give/280202/#!/donation/checkout

A Memorial Service will be held at Arbor Oaks at Crestview at 2505 E. Villa Maria Road on Thursday, March 26 at 2:00 p.m.