Marietta Drayton

Marietta Drayton, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and wife passed on December 28, 2025, at Pioneer Care in Fergus Falls, MN at the age of 91. She will be remembered for her remarkable strength, warmth, and devotion to her family.

Marietta was born on February 17, 1934, in Hinsdale, MT to Daniel F. and Oma (Risley) Thoeny. She started school when she was 4 years old because they needed another student in the first grade. She often said that she didn't think she learned much that first year of school. Her childhood in small-town Montana during the 1940's was filled with adventure and mischief, including a memorable escape with her friend Peggy, when the two of them "borrowed" a car at age 10 and drove it out of town. When the sheriff caught up with them, he had to turn the car around for them so they could return it to town because they didn't know how to back up.

Marietta's life was marked by resilience. Having lost all her siblings at a very young age she often reminded us to cherish one another, especially during a sibling squabble. She was one of the strongest people we have even known, she never complained about what life had handed her in the many challenges she went through.

Marietta married Jim Bergstrom in Nashua, MT on August 17, 1952. Danet, James, Paul and Lonny were born out of this union.

On February 10, 1965, Marietta and Ron Drayton were married in Great Falls, MT. The following year the family moved to Pelican Rapids, MN due to Ron's father passing, so began her life of living on a dairy farm and milking cows. Rhonda and Rodney were born out of this union.

Marietta had several jobs outside the home, but her pride and joy was her work as a Creative Memories Consultant. She loved helping others preserve their photographs and family histories, and her own albums remain treasured keepsakes for her family.

Marietta is survived by her husband, Ron, her children, Danet Erickson, James (Sherri) Bergstrom, Paul Bergstrom, daughter-in-law Cindy Bergstrom, Rhonda (Jon) Swift and Rodney (Kelli) Drayton; stepdaughters, June (Rodney) Wagenman, Jean (Dave) Nelson, Joan (Phillip) Stoll; sister-in-law, Elayne (Bill) Schepper and nephew, Tim, (Tanya) Schepper. Also surviving are 29 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren as well as numerous cousins.

Marietta was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, her stepfather, Cliff Flatness; stepbrother, Dale Flatness; four sisters, Deloma Thoeny, Reta, Ruth and Rene Flatness, (triplets) her son, Lonny Bergstrom and granddaughter, Amber Bergstrom.

The last couple of years, Marietta resided in Riverfront on Main in Pelican Rapids and most recently at Pioneer Care in Fergus Falls. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at both facilities for the care that has been given.

A memorial service is being planned later in the spring at Olson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls, MN.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral & Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com