Marlita Diane Histand

March 11, 1993 - August 1, 2017

Marlita Diane Histand was born to John and Diane Histand on March 11, 1993 in Towanda, Pennsylvania, just before the Blizzard of 1993. She joined two sisters, 5-year-old Krista and 3-year-old Janeen in the Histand home in Rome, Pennsylvania. Marlita was always small for her age. She was the baby of the family for nearly six years, when her brother Bryce joined them in 1999, followed by Chantel in 2003. As a preschooler, Marlita traveled with her family to visit missionary cousins in Haiti, as well as a trip to the New England states. She was “Mommy’s Girl” and loved to snuggle. Marlita started school at six years old at Union Valley Christian School. Recess and friendships, especially with Amber and Misty, were her favorite part of school. Her teacher for grades 1-12 was Miss Wanita who was also a cousin to the Histand children. Her least favorite part of school was math, but Miss Wanita helped her through all the way to graduation. Marlita enjoyed class trips: the Niagara Falls, the Franklin Institute in Philadephia where she enjoyed “Tornado Alley” with her brother Bryce, and a senior trip to Martha’s Vineyard with Miss Wanita and Amber. At the age of 14, Marlita gave her heart and life to God one spring morning before school in 2007. She was baptized at Union Valley Mennonite Church in the fall of 2009 and received as a member. She put her faith into action by blessing others in small, but kind and loving ways. Although she did not enjoy cooking and baking, Marlita did frequently make pizza, her favorite food, for her family for supper. She loved buying shoes and sweaters with her sisters, camping with immediate and extended family, coloring projects, and amateur photography. Anywhere Marlita went she was always surrounded by children and loved to read them stories. Deer hunting with her Daddy, sisters & brother was a hightlight of hers, and she was often known for getting the "big" doe. She attended Maranatha Bible School in 2013, 2014, and 2015, taking choir tours to western Canada, and United States, Haiti, and the eastern United States and Canada. An administrator at Maranatha Bible School spoke of Marlita’s godly influence at Maranatha Bible School, saying to her parents, “She was always a blessing and encouragement to us! Your beautiful daughter touched many lives for Christ at Maranatha.” Marlita’s goal was to enjoy life and be a friend to everyone. She taught Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. She took a job as a nanny for twins William and Margaret Chappell, starting from the time they were one month old for about six years until the time of her illness. She was grateful to their parents, Bob and Jenny, for allowing her to be their “second mom”. She read many books to them, told them about Jesus, and taught them to pray. Marlita enjoyed singing. She always sang on pitch, without hesitation. She sang alto primarily, but was also comfortable with tenor or soprano. Besides the Maranatha choir tour, she sang with Echoes of Hope church youth choir and with her family. She sang at nursing homes, for neighbors, and at special events. In 2013 her youth group recorded their singing professionally. Marlita sang the solo part on the first verse of the song “Going Home”. “Going home, I’m just going home,” she sang, “quiet like some still day, I’m just going home.” In November 2016, Marlita noticed a pain in her hip, which she concluded was a pulled muscle. By the new year, it had not gone away, so she went to her family doctor in early March and was prescribed five weeks of physical therapy around the time of her 24th birthday. Because Marlita was born in a blizzard, she was excited to see a snowy forecast for March 2017. She prayed, asking God for a blizzard for her birthday. She received almost three feet of snow! She underwent the five weeks of physical therapy, but her therapists became concerned because the pain was not going away. She was referred to an orthopedic spine clinic, where she met Lisa Roberts, a caring nurse practitioner who helped Marlita and her family through the necessary tests and the diagnosis of Stage 4 Breat Cancer. Because of a tumor in the Sacrum, she was experiencing severe back pain and numbness below her knees. Throughout the time of her illness, Marlita relied on the support of her parents, sisters, brothers, cousins and friends, with whom she enjoyed so many good times in the past. She longed to be normal again and join her friends and family in their activities! But even though she was no longer able to participate, if a fun activity came up she told her siblings, “Go.” Marlita and her family felt that many of the doctors and nurses were selected by God to help them through this difficult time. Without fail, Marlita said “thank you” to each hospital staff member as they left her room after helping her. Marlita’s family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors and nurses of Knapper Clinic and the Geisinger Danville Hospital for their love and genuine care. They specifically want to thank Lisa Roberts from neurosurgery, Sally Regel, nurse practitioner from palliative medicine, and Dr. Vogel of Hematology Oncology. Marlita was not a morning person, but she passed away on August 1, 2017 at 6:40 am, surrounded by family at Geisinger Medical Center. On this beautiful Tuesday morning, she became the first of her family to “go home… some still day” as her solo choir part said. Marlita is survived by her parents, John and Diane, and her brother and sisters: Krista, Janeen, Bryce, and Chantel, as well as by maternal grandparents Warren & Lois Clugston, and many dear Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Arthur and Doris Histand. Family and friends are invited to attend a services to celebrate Marlita's life: Visitations will be held Saturday August 5, 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel 273 S. Main St. Nichols, NY 13812. Her Service will be held Sunday, August 6, 2:00 p.m. at the Towanda Independent Baptist Church 109 Cherry St. Towanda, PA 18848. Interment and prayers of committal will follow in the Darling Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting her guest book at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Though we associate dark colors with death and dying, Marlita lived and loved life, sharing that love in bright and cheery ways. In honor of her love, feel free to wear bright colors to her services. Another way we will honor her is with flowers. If you plan to attend her funeral service/graveside on Sunday, we would like to cover the entire grave with flowers, so bring any from your own garden, wild, or store bought, to place on it. If you would like to honor her life with monetary gifts, please give to one of her favorite places: Maranatha Bible School, c/o Warren Nolt, 60463 185th Ave., Dodge Center, MN 55927