Marcia Mae (Peterson) Kellow, 79, passed away on March 27, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. She was born on July 11, 1945, in Kadoka, SD to John and Harriet (Hopkins) Peterson.

Marcia grew up on Ash Creek, northwest of Philip. She was the youngest of three children, the older siblings being the late Richard and Rita. Marcia was fondly known as “Bill”, by her father. She was (always) a tiny little thing and could only fit in the hand me down “Billy the Kid” jeans. Later, she was affectionately called “Grandma Bill” by her grandchildren.

In 1963, Marcia graduated from Philip High School – “Home of the Scotties”. After graduation, Marcia then went on to complete schooling at South Dakota Beauty College. During this time, she met James Steward, and they later married on May 5, 1964. Marcia and Jim then moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 1971 and had a daughter, Meegan (Steward) Walker.

On December 8, 1978, Marcia married Charles Kellow of Oklahoma City, OK, in Anchorage, AK. They later had two children, Melissa (Kellow), Townsend and Tucker Kellow. Marcia and Charlie raised these children doing what they loved to do…enjoying the outdoors of Alaska. The two built a remote cabin on the Kroto Slough where many years were spent attempting to fish, enjoying the outdoors with family and friends, and boating and snowmachining.

Marcia thrived on hard work. She helped build two remote cabins, sewed ALL her children’s clothes, and chopped wood like a lumberjack; just to name a few. Even though she was a very hard worker she was quick to admit her faults. Cooking was definitely one of them and was a long-standing joke for many years. However, her work ethic likely helped her persevere through two bouts of cancer. In addition to enjoying the outdoors, she had many talents that included cross stitch, puzzles, and a solid game of Rummy (aka “Mom Wins”).

In her later life, she was very active within the Auxiliary of Amvets Post 49. She held a position as secretary, a chairman for the Children’s Christmas at the Post and Chaplin. She loved to help serve Sunday brunch and did so for as long as she could. She enjoyed all her connections that she made over the years and struggled, honestly, with the loss of many friends over the years.

She is survived by her three children; Meegan (James) Walker of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Melissa Townsend of Manitowoc, WI, and Tucker Kellow of Wasilla, AK. Additionally, she is survived by her seven Grandchildren, Rebecca, Alyece (Anthony Dueno), Sean, Lucy, Madilynne, Caraline and Emery and her three Great Grandchildren: Elysabeth, Anna and Atticus. She is also survived by her dear extended family, The Peterson and Dietrich Family, whom she loved so dearly!

Marcia was preceded in death by her parents John and Harriet (Hopkins) Peterson, her brother Richard Peterson, her sister Rita Dietrich and the fathers of her children, James Steward and Charles Kellow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating the AMVETS Post 49 for the Children’s Christmas event, which was her favorite event.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025 at Rush Funeral Home in Philip, South Dakota.

Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip, South Dakota.