Marjorie Evonne Twito

Marjorie was born on October 28, 1935 in Lake Mills, Iowa, to parents, Manley and Idora (Stene) Maakestad.

When Marge was 6 years old her family moved to Ames, Iowa, where she graduated from Ames High School in 1953. She worked after graduation as a secretary at the YMCA at Iowa State College and then in the advertising department of the Des Moines Register. She met Roger, who was attending ISC, in 1957, and they were married in 1958 in Ames, Iowa. Their "honeymoon" included a portaged canoe trip to a wilderness lake where she caught a 14 pound pike, and then they were caught in a sudden windstorm while paddling back to the lodge. It was a memorable day, but perhaps too exciting. Marge enjoyed the fishing, but being caught on the lake in a windstorm was truly frightening. Hers was the biggest fish caught at that lodge for the entire week.

After graduation they moved to Berkeley, California, where Marge worked as secretary to the Dean of Students at UC, and Roger worked at a consulting engineering firm. A Montana vacation attracted Roger to that area so much that he accepted a Forest Service position in Kalispell, MT, where their first child, Bruce, was born. Moving to Montana helped Marge develop a love of downhill skiing, fishing, camping and life in the mountains. Over the next 15 years they moved 7 times: to Orofino, ID, where their daughter, Julie, was born, Spokane, WA, Sandpoint, ID, Seattle, WA, Libby, MT, Portland, OR, and finally to Lynnwood, WA, where they lived the last 40 years of Marge’s life. This gypsy life was mostly due to Forest Service transfers. Throughout that time Marge made many friends and accepted the challenge of starting anew with energy and a positive attitude. While in Seattle, with Bruce and Julie in college and high school, Marge started another career as a worker at Colores, a windsock maker, and quickly rose to become CEO, as the company flourished. This experience gratified Marge and gave her well-deserved recognition.

Marge was known for her organization and homemaking skills and taking care of others. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, crafting, gardening (especially flowers), and continued outdoor activities and camping (some backpacking) with family and friends. Marge had a Viking streak in her that made her love travel and sightseeing. After retirement she and her husband took long trips to Norway, Alaska and the Caribbean.

Marge and Roger have been faithful members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood. She served in the office as a volunteer and participated in small groups as well as serving on church governing boards. She also often played the piano for services that Trinity provided for retirement homes.

Marge became a grandmother a bit later in her life than most, but she has really loved being one. She had the patience and love that made her ideal for the job. Her four grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she was a very willing (and often used) baby sitter. She had a knack for finding arts & craft projects that they all enjoyed doing.

Marjorie is survived by her husband of 58 years, Roger Twito, of Lynnwood, WA; son, Bruce Twito, (wife Martine) of Lake Forest Park, WA; daughter, Julie Mohr, (husband Ben) of Kenmore, WA; four grandchildren, Max Twito, Celia Twito, Luke Mohr, and Brooke Mohr; sister, Karen (Maakestad) Hanson, (husband Ralph) of Apple Valley, MN; sister-in-law, Ramona (Twito) Rayle, of Ashburn, VA; as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Virginia (Maakestad) Clevenger, and husband, Ralph; a brother, Loren Maakestad, and wife, Merle (Gaskkill); father & mother-in-law, Oscar & Anne (Otto) Twito, a brother-in-law, David Twito, and wife, Dorothy (Anderson); and a brother-in-law, Robert Rayle.

In her memory, contributions may be made to Living Waters (which sponsors well drilling for third world nations) c/o Trinity Lutheran Church.

There will be a memorial service at Trinity Lutheran Church on February 18th at 1:00 PM.