Marge Garrison of Edmond died on August 16, 2008 at the age of 85. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her Family, friends, neighbors, bridge club buddies, dear friends and colleagues who worked with her at Hope Center of Edmond, where she was a long time volunteer. Her life will be lovingly remembered and kept alive by her 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Her memory will be forever treasured by Jim, her husband of 64 years. He loved her and took such good care of her in her last years. His love and support for her never faltered. Marjorie Lou Baker was born in Albion, Oklahoma on September 13, 1922. She moved with her family to Oklahoma City where she resided until she was 15. At that time her family relocated to Muskogee where her father became the Director of the Veteran's Administration for the State of Oklahoma. She finished high school and attended Muskogee Junior College, where she met her future husband, Jim Garrison. They were married on June 29, 1944 and Jim became a career Air Force officer. For the next 30 years they traveled the world as military families often do. Marge became a ''logistical expert'' by moving over and over again an entire household to Germany, Texas, Georgia, Illinois, Japan and California. Despite being separated from her family in Oklahoma and in spite of, or perhaps because of, the challenges she faced in relocating her family, she became amazingly resilient, open-minded and positive. She looked at each move as both her duty as the wife of a soldier, and as a new adventure to experience. She passed on the appreciation of adventure and sense of resiliency to her children, who will be forever grateful. When Jim retired they moved back to their native Oklahoma and bought a home in Old Farm in Edmond where they lived for over 35 years, finally putting down roots and making long-lasting ties to friends and community. Marge was a real estate agent and broker in Illinois, California and Oklahoma. After retiring from that business at age 62, she began her 20 year volunteer position at Hope Center of Edmond, where she found her true calling: helping others less fortunate. She often remarked that she "couldn't imagine life" without her work at Hope Center. Her friends and colleagues there appreciated and loved her for her dedication and selected her to be ''Volunteer of the Year.'' Throughout her busy life Marge maintained an interest in politics and the ideals of the Democratic Party. She was also a wonderful cook, an avid reader and crossword puzzle expert and played in several bridge groups for many years. Marge adored her family. She thrived and thrilled as each new generation came along. She and Jim traveled all over the USA visiting family as their children and children's children grew up and settled in Vermont, California, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Colorado and Arizona. Her love was unflagging, boundless and generous. Her sense of humor, her generosity, her love of conversation and thoughtful look at the world, her love of games and enjoyment of good food made her a great conversationalist and fun to be with. Her presence and participation in the events and lives of her friends and family will be deeply missed. It is important to Marge's family that the world know that she was a true friend, a loyal and loving wife and a wonderful mother. You did a great job, Mom!! In addition to her husband "Jimmy", Marge is survived by her four children and their spouses and significant others: Jan and Buz Johanson of San Rafael, CA, Jim and Pam Garrison of Medford, OR, David Garrison and Joyce Lowe of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Cindy and Bill Hendrick of Albuquerque, NM her grandchildren Abby Church (Ted), David Johanson (Vita), Marcus, Matthew and Brian Garrison, Nathan and Tucker Garrison and Katie Hayden (Jeff), Samuel and Lewis Hendrick. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Presley and Margo Church and Jackson Johanson. Her brother Mitchell Baker and wife Fleeta, sister Jeanne McAndrew and sister-in-law Nell Baker also survive her, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other family members. The family wishes to thank Anne Graham, Ray and Jennifer George, Grant and Carolyn Thomas for their loyal and loving friendship to Marge and Jim as well as Grace Mwaura, Lola Benson, Kim Smith and staff of Solamor Hospice for their gentle care these past months. Most especially we wish to thank Mom's caregiver and friend, Vonda Haley, for her tireless and unwavering love and devotion to Marge. Contributions may be made to Hope Center of Edmond, 1251 N. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, in Marge's name, as nothing would please her more. A memorial service will be held at Baggerley Funeral Home, 930 S. Broadway, Edmond on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 2:00 P.M., reception to follow.

Published in The Oklahoman on Aug. 19, 2008