Mariann Fillis

Surrounded by the children who adored her, Mariann Fillis passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. She was 68, and her final moments were filled with the same love she had poured into her family throughout her life.

Born on November 6, 1957, in Lander, Wyoming, Mariann spent her early years in her hometown before later living in Provo, Orem, and Pleasant Grove, Utah, where she raised her kids. Her children have cherished memories of constant trips back to Lander to visit “Nanna and Grandpa”, family, and friends. Family vacations and outings like going to Disney On Ice, Park City, Stadium of Fire, touring Christmas lights, and Disneyland were highlights of their childhood. Mariann maintained close friendships in Lander throughout her life and returned often to visit.

Those years were devoted to motherhood, filled with constant car rides to church events, t-ball, worship team practices, and the ice rink for hockey and figure skating. For the past 15 years, she and her daughter Shanna made their home in Fargo, North Dakota, choosing to be close to her daughter Tanya and embracing the community there.

Her other “kids” were her puppies, whom she found such joy in. Chewy, Coco, Snickers, and Peanut occupied many of her phone pictures.

Mariann loved the mountains deeply—especially the sweeping views of the Wasatch Range from her home at the base of the mountain in Pleasant Grove. The mountains were her favorite place, and she hoped to return to Utah someday. She also loved watching The Voice and never missed the chance to update her kids on the standout contestants of every season.

Mariann was a caregiver both by heart and by trade. She was called “Mom” by many, far beyond her biological children. She opened her home as a foster parent, worked compassionately with individuals with disabilities, and lovingly cared for her daughter Shanna, and mother Eileen, for many years. Above all, she cared well and fiercely for her children, who were her greatest joy.

Mariann loved Jesus, and the walls of her home were covered with Scriptures she was memorizing, praying, and quoting daily. Her faith shaped her life and the way she loved others. Her legacy reflects the goodness of a loving Savior, always ready to offer to others the same redemptive gift He so graciously gave her.

She is survived by her three children: Shanna Day (Fargo, ND), Tanya (Aaron) Phoenix (Bradenton, FL), Travys Fillis (Orem, UT); her two foster sons, James and Jamal; and her grandson, Waylon.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Eustace Day and Randy Fillis.

Mariann will be cremated, and a private family service will be held at a later date. Honoring her wishes, her ashes will be spread in the mountains she loved so dearly. 

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mariann Fillis, please visit our Tree Store.