Marjorie Emily Jones of Bellingham passed away on Friday, December 2, 2011. She was born April 13, 1916 on a farm outside of Minonk, Illinois to William and Martha Grassman. Marjorie was the salutatorian of her high school graduating class in 1934. Following graduation she went to work as the only female employee for the Minonk News Dispatch, running the circulation and advertising department for her hometown newspaper.
In January of 1942 she married her long-time love, Harlan Jones, and the newlyweds set out for Louisville, KY, the first of many moves. She worked for the Indiana Ordinance Company during World War II, until their daughter Martha was born. Marjorie spent many years as a stay-at-home mom for their three children, Martha, Todd and Carole, while Harlan's 35-year career in Process Engineering had the family moving to five different states, culminating in Andover, Massachusetts.
In retirement, Marjorie and Harlan relocated to Bellingham, WA in 1981. They quickly became members of First Presbyterian Church where, for many years, they were involved in a Koinonia group from which they developed lasting friendships. They had a network of friends all over the country and enjoyed traveling around the USA, as well as Canada, and many countries in Western Europe. Marjorie enjoyed singing in her hometown church choir, teaching Sunday school, and serving as a Girl Scout leader. She excelled at embroidery, cooking, and raising roses. Marjorie loved celebrating holidays, especially Christmas, with her family.
Marjorie is predeceased by her husband, Harlan, and survived by her three children, Martha (Charles) Ashton of Virginia, Todd (Allison) Jones of Bellingham, and Carole Jones (Bernard Jalbert) of Seattle. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Marjorie's life will be held on Tuesday December 6that 1:30 PM at Moles Greenacres Funeral Chapel, 5700 Northwest Drive, Ferndale. Visitation with the family and viewing will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:30. A reception will follow the burial service at the same location. The family wishes to thank the staff of Orchard Park Assisted Living and Whatcom Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Whatcom Hospice or the Deacons Fund of First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.