Marjorie Gearhart Obituary

MISSOURI VALLEY, Iowa -- Marjorie Anne Carpenter Gearhart, 91, of Missouri Valley, Iowa, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2013, at Longview Care Center.

Marjorie was born on December 4, 1921, in the same block that her grandfather, Aaron, homesteaded. The daughter of Nelle Kirlin and Roy (Romie) Carpenter she was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Ellen and Verda Margaret.

Marjorie was baptized, confirmed and was a life long member of St. Patrick Church, in Missouri Valley. She was very devoted to St. Patrick School and spent many hours there assisting with the library. After graduating from St. Patrick's and Missouri Valley High School, Marjorie attended and graduated from the University of Iowa. She began teaching in Rock Rapids, Iowa.

Marjorie was married to Walter Gearhart, November 15, 1943, who was in the U.S. Navy at the time.

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Business and Professional Women, Harrison County Red Cross, Harrison County Retired Teachers Association, Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and received the Governor's Award for Volunteerism. Majorie was an avid reader and she enjoyed crossword puzzles.

After raising her children, Marjorie returned to teaching. She taught at St. Patrick School, Abraham Lincoln, in Council Bluffs, and Missouri Valley High School.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; and son, Matthew.

To this union were born five children, Roi Anne Gearhart (Sterling Anderson), of Eagle Grove, Iowa, Mark Gearhart (Jeanette) of Columbus, Martin Gearhart (Kathy) of Kingwood, Texas, Gretchen Chord (Roy), of Torrington, Wyo.; daughter-in-law: Corinne Gearhart and the late Matthew Gearhart ) of DeSoto, Mo. She truly enjoyed her 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, September 16, 2013, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, in Missouri Valley, Iowa.