Margie Utley

MARGIE UTLEY was born on September 30, 1916 to Theodore and Dora (Bendt) Bendt on the farm place near Kenneth, Minnesota. She was raised here and attended country school through the eighth grade. Upon completion of her education she remained on the farm helping with the housework and other daily chores. On March 5, 1942, Margie was united in marriage to Raymond Utley in Worthington, Minnesota. Shortly after their marriage, Ray enlisted into United States Army. At this time Margie lived at her parents’ home. Upon his return from the service the couple began farming near Magnolia, Minnesota. Over the years they farmed various places in Nobles and Rock Counties while raising their family. They later moved to Worthington and operated a laundromat. Due to Ray’s declining health the family moved to Luverne, Minnesota in 1963. At this time Margie did housework for a few families to support her own family. Ray died on June 27, 1965. Margie continued living at their home and working in the area. In her later years, Margie moved to Wilmot, South Dakota to be closer to family. In 2001, she moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota and resided in the Gateway Apartments. In 2007, she became a resident at the Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls, where on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 Margie died at the age of 94 years, four months and seven days.

Margie was a member of the Methodist church and the American Legion Auxiliary. Through her life she enjoyed raising her children, embroidering, flower gardening, and collecting cups and saucers. Margie was also an avid Minnesota Twins fan and hardly ever missed listening or watching games.

Margie is lovingly remembered by her two sons, Roger and his wife Evelyn of Sioux Falls, and Lyle “Kojak” and his wife Audrey of Sioux Falls; four grandchildren, Brian Utley, Dawn Stoakes, Leann Record, and Jason Utley; 9 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; a son, Robert; parents, Theodore and Dora; a sister, Clara Ross; and a brother, Melvin Bendt.