Marjorie Agnes Holthus

Marjorie Agnes Holthus passed peacefully on February 27th 2019 at the age of 89. “Marge” was born on June 20, 1929 to Robert William and Bella Jane McMullen in Alberta, Canada.

Her young life was spent in Whitefish, Montana where she grew up as the fifth of seven siblings. It is also where she met her future husband, Ernest Dean Holthus, who was visiting from Kansas. After marrying on April 6th 1949 in Grants Pass, Oregon at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Marge and Ernie spent the early years of their marriage in Kansas and Bremerton but eventually settled in Grants Pass where they lived for the rest of their lives.

Marge loved being a Navy wife, enjoyed her many years as secretary at Grants Pass High School, but the role she cherished the most was that of mother to Dineen and Jay. She said they would have had more children if they could have, but Marge always said, “you take what you get and be glad” … one of her many down to earth euphemisms that she was known and loved for. She also had a gift of making everyone around her feel special.

Marge and Ernie spent many years square dancing, bowling, traveling, and being very involved in Young Farmers, the VFW and their church of over 60 years, St. Paul’s. Her family almost lost her 30 years ago when she was struck by a car while walking, but her resilience, strength and gratefulness for her recovery have always served as a reminder that life can be short, so enjoy it while you can. She lived the rest of her years in gratitude and faith.

Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie, parents Robert and Bella, sister Verna McMullen Hayes, brother James McMullen, and son-in-law Charles Degener. She is survived by her daughter Dineen Degener of Grants Pass; son Jay (Ginny) Holthus of Hermiston, Oregon; grandsons Rodney (Cheryl) Degener of Grants Pass, Justin (Courtney) Holthus of Meridian, Idaho, John (Ashley) Holthus of Twin Falls, Idaho; five great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; brothers William, Ed and Patrick McMullen; sister Hope Rigel; dear friend Rosemary Knutson as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW of Grants Pass, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 9, 2019 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Private interment will be held.