Marjorie Mae Crookshanks

Marjorie Mae Crookshanks, 82, of Missoula, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, at St. Patrick Hospital, of natural causes, surrounded by her loving husband and three daughters.

She was born on July 10, 1931, in Butte, Montana, to Tom and Alice Jenkin. She attended Emerson Grade School, Butte High School and Western Montana College. She earned a two-year teaching certificate, and went on to earn a bachelors degree in elementary education, with a minor in music. Her first teaching job was in Ennis, Montana. Marje later taught in Great Falls, Butte and Missoula. She loved teaching and was always delighted when she was remembered by former students.

While in high school, Marje performed in numerous plays, and was a member of the drama club and the National Honor Society. She and her two best girlfriends formed a singing trio that performed both in and around Butte.

On August 1, 1957, Marjorie married the love of her life, Charlie Crookshanks, in Great Falls. They met at the student union at Western College in Dillon. They lived in Great Falls, Havre, Butte and finally moved to Missoula in 1970.

Marje and Charlie have three daughters, Coy Laine of Missoula, Lisa (Mike) Carter of Missoula, Amy (Mike) Cooper of Novato, California. Lifelong animal lovers, over the years, Marje and Charlie also shared their home with many beloved dogs.

She was a member of Eastern Star, P.E.O. and Melodiers - a women's choral group. She was a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, served two terms on the board of Intermountain Children's Home in Helena, and served on the Foster Child Review board in Missoula.

Her hobbies included singing, piano, reading, stitching, paper crafts, and creating unique handmade greeting cards. Each year Marje made nearly 200 Christmas cards that she designed. Marje was a strong supporter of and participant in the Military Care Package Program.

Marjorie is survived by her husband of 56 years, Charlie, daughters Coy, Lisa and Amy, brother Tom (Carilyn) Jenkin of Whitehall, grandchildren Zachary (Jasmine) Laine, Roise Wurster, Beau (Alex) Wurster, great-grand daughter Charlie Ann, and her dearest friend of more than 50 years, Marilyn Denny. She was preceded in death by her parents, and infant sister Sharon.

Marje was a loving wife, mother, daughter, grandmother and friend. She was an avid reader who could often be found sitting on the couch, her feet up, reading a book, a dog by her side. Time spent with Marje was fun and relaxed. Friends and family remember her as a strong, funny woman, and a life-long animal lover and advocate. Marje will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Garden City Funeral Home with a reception following.

In leiu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Marje's memory to MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 1375, McCall, ID 83638, or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741-5000.

Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com


Read Marjorie Crookshanks's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.