Marjorie Steele Hightower Kraabel

Marjorie Steele Hightower Kraabel, 92, of Missoula, died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family of natural causes at her home on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013. She would have been 93 next month.

She was born Oct. 13, 1920, in Spokane, to John F. and Pearl Steele and lived in Missoula as a very young child. After moving to Seattle, she was raised and educated there until she returned to Missoula to graduate from Missoula County High School in 1938. After attending the University of Washington, she married J.S. Hightower who went MIA and was killed during World War II. She resided in San Francisco, Calif., Boise, Idaho, and Palo Alto, Calif., while working for the Civil Service.

Marjorie married Syd Kraabel on Aug. 2, 1947, in Missoula. She was active in the Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls, PTA, Jayceans, O.E.S. Electra No. 7, Missoula CC, Yuma Golf & CC, Mount Sentinel Women's Golf Association, Main Street Artists, Sons of Norway and St. Paul Lutheran Church. Marge had many interests in arts, crafts, and needlework. She enjoyed being with people of all ages.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a stepson John Kraabel; two sisters, Zoe Gray and Evelyn Ward and two brothers, Gail and Keith Steele; and her husband of 59 years, Sydney M. Kraabel.

Survivors include her son, J. Lance (Ingeborg) Hightower of Seattle and her stepdaughter Karla Kraabel of Missoula. She is also survived by grandchildren, Dennis Hightower, Timothy and Kelly Hightower of Seattle, Debora Gordon, Kristi Scmid, Robert and Johanna Scmid of Missoula, Robert and Malei Davidson, Brent and Carol Davidson and Cathy Davidson of Seattle. Fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson survive her as do numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, at Missoula City Cemetery with Pastor Chris Flohr officiating.

The family suggests memorials to Shriners Hospital for Children, N. 820 Summit Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201; St. Paul Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at missoulafuneralhomes.com Garden City Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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