Marli Kay Harmon, 34

Marli Kay Harmon was born Oct. 11, 1989, in Steamboat Springs, Colo., and passed on Jan. 2, 2024, in Tampa, Fla.

She moved with her family to Polson in the spring of 1993 and graduated from Polson High and the University of Montana. In high school, she enjoyed speech and debate, journalism, drama, and tennis, and in her sophomore year was an exchange student in Sardinia. 

Marli loved literature, fine jewelry, and her Japanese Chin pups, first Jaku followed by Doja. In her working life, she slung ice cream at The Cove, managed property in Florida, and worked with good folks and beautiful jewelry at Adair Jewelers in Missoula and Neiman Marcus in Tampa.

Marli is survived by her partner, Derek Richardson of Tampa; her brother, Wes, and partner Yani of Missoula, Meadview, Ariz., and Panama; parents Tamika Harmon of Naples, Fla., and Scott and Lisa Harmon of Polson; grandparents Alona and Bob Berkstresser of Naples, Fla; aunts and uncles Eric and Sally Harmon of Colorado, Tem and Nancy Berkstresser, and Taylor Berkstresser and Kim Kennedy of Florida; along with cousins Clayton Harmon and Mia and Luna Berkstresser; and many dear friends who also deeply loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to the American Cancer Society or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.