Karey Marlene Lyon

Karey Marlene Lyon, whose Ojibwe name was Giizhibaagwanekwe, passed away at age 73 on March 3rd at Sanford Hospital in Bemidji, Minnesota.

Karey was born on July 1, 1952, in International Falls, Minnesota. She later made her home in Bemidji, Minnesota and was an enrolled member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Karey dedicated her life to caring for others. Her journey in health care began when she was a young girl working as a candy striper at the hospital. That early experience inspired a lifelong path of service. She went on to become a nurse practitioner and later retired from the Leech Lake Health Division, where she served her community with compassion and dedication. Karey loved visiting with family and friends. She enjoyed shopping, singing, reading, and watching old movies. She also had a special love for her dog, BayLee, who was always close to her side. More than anything, Karey cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, sister, and great-grandchildren.

Karey was preceded in death by her parents, McKinnon Ostby; Arnt and Ruth Thompson; her husbands, John Lyon and Jerry Good; her son, Rick Lyon; her granddaughter, Kelcie Greene-Lyon; her brothers, Mick Ostby, David Ostby, and Richard Ostby; her niece, Cristina Grover; and her nephew, Nicholas Ostby.

She is survived by her children, Michael Good (Sarah), Paul Payne (GloriaDian), Michael Ridle, Bode Moore, Jerry Good, Cindy Hansmann (Brian), Rebecca Stochl (Daniel), Tracy Lindberg (Randy), Shannon Lyon (Ben), Stacie Lyon (J.R.), Kelli Terrell (Chris), and Sandra Kuchma (Marc). She is survived by her siblings, Conrad Larson, Kathleen (Wilfred) Carriveau, David Good (Aster), Judy Baldwin (Dave), and Lori Musatov (Kurt). She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Karey held special friendships with Tina and Tommy Edberg as well as Roberta Decker. She shared a close bond with her cousin Shirley Bradley, and chosen family, Rhonda Shoberg-Conn, and ShannaLee Horvik. Karey will be remembered for her caring heart, her laughter, and her ability to see the beauty and goodness in all people, in all living beings. Her life was devoted to helping others, and her memory will live on in the many lives she touched.

A celebration of life will be held at Noon on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Leech Lake Tribal College Drum Room in Cass Lake with Nancy Kingbird as spiritual leader. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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