Marjorie L. Simpkins' Obituary
Marjorie L. Simpkins
1937-2020
On Wednesday, January 1st, 2020 our loving mother, sister, and grandmother Marjorie L. Simpkins passed away at the age of 82 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Margie was born at home on May 9th, 1937 in Rural Colony, KS. She was the 8th of 10 children born to Ira and Mary Smoot. She lost her own mother when she was only 9 years old, but had many older siblings to help raise her. She loved to share stories of her adventures and memories of growing up on a farm with her family and grandchildren.
Throughout her entire life Margie was known as a very hard worker. During her younger years she worked as a waitress and loved telling stories about how many cups of hot coffee she could balance and carry at one time. After moving to Idaho in 1972 she worked over 10 years at Sappington’s Day care and loved teaching the many children that attended pre-school there. She spent the last 20 years of her career as a CNA at Hillcrest Haven. She worked many of those years in the men’s Alzheimer's unit and was frequently recognized for her outstanding service as well as her genuine care and compassion for her patients.
When she wasn’t working Margie enjoyed the outdoors and spent many of her summers camping and fishing. Her other hobbies included gardening (especially flowers), bowling, dancing, country music, cooking and baking. She was known for her award winning chilli, baked beans, zucchini bread and homemade wheat bread. Her life dream was to own her own restaurant one day.
She is survived by her son Gary Dole (Stacy) in Pierre, SD, her daughter Rhonda Parkin (Mike) in Salt Lake City, UT, along with her 4 grandchildren: Brianna, Alissa, Alex and Tyler who were her pride and joy. She also had a special connection and love for her grand-puppy Cooper who brought a great deal of joy, laughter and puppy kisses to her final days. She is also survived by her sister Stella Higinbotham in Iola, KS and her brother Dean Smoot in Vassar, KS,
Margie was preceded in death by her mother Mary Lucinda Poe (Smoot), her father Ira Smoot, a stillborn daughter Diana and 7 siblings: Russell, Richard, Glen, Albert, Carl, Dorothy and Paul (Bud).
There will be no public viewing or funeral services per her request. Her family will miss her tremendously but find comfort in knowing she is free of pain and reunited with her mother and family who have gone before. Margie’s family would also like to thank Summit Sr. Living and Inspiration Hospice for their assistance caring for her in her final days.
Mom, we love you and miss you already and look forward to the day we will see you again!
What’s your fondest memory of Marjorie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marjorie?
Share a story where Marjorie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marjorie you’ll never forget.
How did Marjorie make you smile?