Marjorie Louise Gottula

Marjorie Louise Gottula (née Van Dorsten) passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, at the age of 98. Born on July 24, 1927, in Alhambra, California, to Edward Dixon and Laura May Van Dorsten (née Montiel), Marge was the first of two daughters. Her sister Joan arrived in 1929, and the family soon settled in the Hemet, California area. The sisters spent their childhood exploring local farms and helping their father tend olives and grapes on the family property. Marge attended Hemet Elementary School, where she formed many lifelong friendships, and graduated from Hemet High School in 1945. From an early age, Marge dreamed of becoming a nurse. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from San Bernardino Valley College and began her career at San Bernardino County Hospital where she completed her Registered Nurse (RN) degree. She moved home and to Hemet Valley Hospital, where she helped deliver babies—including children of her own high school classmates. Determined to advance her training and broaden her career, she relocated to San Francisco and began work at Langley Porter Hospital in 1951.

During a Christmas visit home in 1953, she was invited to a square dance by a charming World War II veteran, Harland “Lucky” Gottula. They attended church together the following day, and their lifelong love story began. Marge returned to San Francisco wearing an engagement ring. But they weren’t separated for long. Lucky drove to San Francisco and brought her home where they married in 1954. Within a few short years Marge and Lucky welcomed three daughters—Rhonda (1955), Vickie (1956), and Colleen (1957). During those years, Lucky built their family home on a ranch on the outskirts of Hemet. The family moved to the ranch in 1960.

Marge dedicated herself to being a stay-at-home mother, sewing all of her daughters’ clothes and creating a warm, welcoming home filled with friends. When her daughters reached school age, she returned to nursing at Hemet Valley Hospital and later worked in private practice with local physicians. She retired in 1996 to care for Lucky, who passed away in 1997.

In the years that followed, Marge poured her energy into her faith and community at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. A devoted member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), she served as Treasurer for two terms and held the roles of president, secretary, and treasurer in the local chapter. Her greatest passion was the Sewing Club, where she lovingly created hundreds of beautiful quilts for charity and friends. Together with her fellow members, she contributed thousands of hours of service, bringing comfort and joy to those in need.

Marge also cherished travel, enjoying many memorable trips with her daughter Kelly and dear friend Betty Martin to destinations including Alaska, Europe, Australia, and Hawaii. After selling the family ranch in 2015, she moved to Brookdale Senior Living, where she continued sewing and made many new friends.

Marge is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband Lucky and daughter Colleen. She leaves behind her loving daughters Rhonda Warner of Tucson, AZ and Vickie Moser of Coupeville, WA, along with their husbands, children, and grand-children. She will also be deeply missed by her nieces, nephews, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, service, and warm spirit.

A life marked by dedication to family, faith, healing, and creativity, Marge’s legacy of love and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held on July 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Hemet, California, followed by a reception. Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery