Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home

Assisting the Montana communities of Helena, East Helena, Townsend, White Sulphur Springs, Montana City, Clancy & Lincoln

For Immediate Help Call 1.406.442.8520

In Memory Of

Marcia Lythgoe

September 1, 1947 – January 10, 2012

Marcia Holt Lythgoe, age 64, of Montana City passed away on January 10, 2012 from complications due to pneumonia.

Marcia was born on September 1, 1947 in Pocatello, Idaho to Jack Holt and Margaret Holt. She moved to Helena when she was very young and resided in Montana City at the time of her death.

After a wonderful childhood in Helena, MT, she married the love of her life, Tom Lythgoe on March 30, 1968. They were married for 43 years. She went to Brigham Young University, BYU Hawaii and graduated from Carroll College with an Elementary and Music Education degree. She mentored hundreds of children and fellow teachers during her 38 years in the classroom.

Marcia loved music, teaching, and spending time with her husband, kids, grandkids, friends and family.

Marcia was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as the church organist for 52 years, since the age of 12. She also volunteered her time as a youth counselor, Sunday School teacher, chorister and choir director. In addition, she served in various positions with the Helena Schools as a teacher, mentor and friend.

Marcia is survived by her spouse, Tom Lythgoe and their three daughters, Stacy (Matt) Darrington of Idaho Falls, ID; Mikal (Trevor) Wilkerson of Idaho Falls, ID; and Kari (Russ) Holman of Montana City, MT. Her surviving brother and sister are Jack (LeAnne) Holt of Bountiful, UT and Chris (Jim) Valentine of Idaho Falls, ID. Her grandchildren include Meghan, Matthew, Steven, Craig and Michael Darrington; Taylor, TJ, Bryndon, Aimee, Jeri and Jaidyn Wilkerson; and Alec, Sam, and Rylee Holman. She has 3.5 (one on the way) great grand-children.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Holt and father, Jack Holt.

Marcia’s life was dedicated to her husband, her children, her students, her grandchildren and her friends. She was THAT person who all aspire to be. If you look up service and love in the dictionary, you will find Marcia’s picture by the definition. She will be greatly missed.

Viewing will begin Friday morning, January 13th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with the family receiving friends between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, January 14th with funeral services to be at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1610 E. 6th Ave. Interment and Dedication of the Grave will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Mrs. Lythgoe was my 4th grade teacher at Smith School before she retired. I was only there for one year but she drastically impacted my life. During the time I was in her class my parents were getting divorced. Not only did Mrs. Lythgoe help me in ways my family could not, she also displayed how much she loved each and every one of her students. I know I’m not a friend of the family, or someone that has even seen Mrs. Lythgoe recently, but she was one of the people that when they come into your life you will never forget them. And I will always remember what an incredible human being she was. I wish her family the best and I’m very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Lythgoe will be missed by everyone.

  2. Brother Lythgoe– my deepest condolences for your loss. May the Lord comfort you at this time while you mourn the temporary separation from your eternal sweetheart.

  3. My sincerest sympathy to the family. Mrs. Lythgoe was one of the best teachers ever to grace my son’s Tucker’s life. She was so much more than just a teacher, she truely cared about her kids. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers, we are so sorry for your tremendous loss. May God Bless you and keep you in his arms through this difficult time.

  4. I was saddened this morning when I read that Mrs. Lythgoe had passed away. She was one of my “favorites” over 30 years ago at Warren School. She was a great teacher, friend and an inspiration to all who knew her. She never forgot a face and would laugh when we’d talk about how long it had been. I remember she was always proud telling stories about her girls while she was my teacher. Years later, she was proud to be telling stories as a Grandmother. I enjoyed catching up with her while out shopping or attending the local 4-H show during the summer. May your wonderful and cherished memories get you through this difficult time. My family and I will be praying for each and every one of you. Rest in Peace, Mrs. Lythgoe.

  6. Having such a wonderful 5th grade teacher was an enlightening and enriching experience.
    So glad to have had her in my life.

  7. Thinking of you during this difficult time. May your memories of Marcia lighten your hearts in the days ahead. God Bless

  9. My dear friend Tom, I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved wife Marcia. She has been taken away from us all far too soon and she will be greatly missed. You were so lucky to have her with you all these years and I know she was the “wind beneath your wings”. Please know how sorry I am and I share your loss. She was a wonderful woman.

  11. Tom and Family,

    My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. My condolences and please take care.

  12. our hearts are boken of the loss of our dear friend and dinner partner.Our love goes out to Thomas and family.Marcia will be missed by so many.
    We love you!

  13. My heart is heavy today when I learned of Marcia’s death. She was an exceptional teacher and a kind and caring woman. I am so sorry Tom, kids and grandkids. Helena has lost a special woman. My prayers are with you all.

  14. My heart is breaking for you and your girls Tom! Your wife was a beautiful and classy woman~ Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children~ God Bless-
    Love Deb Littell-Dodge

  15. Tom and Family, we were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and we hope you find comfort during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.

  17. Tom, my friend, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all of your family today. My heart was very saddened as I read Marcia’s obituary in the paper this morning. Marcia was a wonderful woman and an awesome wife, mother and grandmother. Although we have lost a real saint, we can find comfort in the knowledge that she is a rest with our Father now. May God bless and comfort you all during this time of sorrow.

    -Our love, Don & Tory

  18. Dear Tom, Kathy and I are still in shock over your loss, be comforted though, we have learned that our departed loved are ever nearby and watch over us. I share Kathy’s love for Marcia, we speak of you both often. We will be ever grateful for your recent visit. Her legacy is beautiful. Love, Kathy and Don

  19. Marcia was a wonderful teacher for my son. He had a rough year in third grade but in fourth grade Marcia opened up the world of education again to him. She was so kind to the kids and made them feel good about themselves and education. Thank you, Mrs. Lythgoe. You were an example of what education should be.

  20. Tom, Or hearts go out to you and your family. You are blessed to have shared your life with such a wonderful person. God Bless You All, Ed and Betty Handl

  23. I am so saddened to learn about Marcia. She was such a bright light in this world and such a joy to be around. Please know that my thoughts and prayers that are with you during this difficult time.

  24. The community has lost a shining star. Marcia was one of the best teachers I have ever known and a great friend to everyone she met. She will be missed by the hundreds of lives she touched.

  25. Marcia and I started our teaching careers at the same time. When I was asked during my interview if I had any questions, I had only one:”Who teaches the music?”.Later on,after I started being a principal, I always tried to have Marcia teach in my school because I knew what she brought into not only the classroom but also into the whole school community. Marcia was great person, teacher, and friend. The world will suffer a void once filled by Marcia Lythgoe. I know she rests in peace.

  26. Marcia was, in my mind, the ideal woman…a fantastic wife, mother, teacher and a faithful servant of our Heavenly Father. She was a friend to all and she lifted us all up with her kind words and inner strength. I know her legacy lives on in her beloved daughters as they carry forth the work Marcia performed while here on earth. My prayers go out for the entire family, but especially for Tom. In all the years I have known the Lythgoe family, I have very rarely seen Tom without Marcia right by his side (or at as close as the next aisle at WalMart). How blessed you are to have her as your eternal companion. Much love to your entire family…

  27. Lythgoe Family,

    My sympathies go out to you at this time. Marcia is a wonderful person and an example to all. I have many, many fond memories of her generosity and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

    Jonathan & Tara Hatch

  28. I’ve been reading everything on this website about this remarkable woman and see where my sweet friend, Kari, gets all of her amazingness. You are your mother’s daughter, Kari. I’m glad you and your sisters will carry so much of your mother with you throughout your lives. We love you and are thinking of you.

    Hart and Jory Beal

  29. Marcia was a very special lady with a kind heart and beautiful smile.

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time.

    May God bless and comfort you.

  30. Tom and Family
    Please know are prayers and thoughts are with you. May God’s Peace help you through this loss of your loved one.

  31. I’m very sorry to hear of Marcia’s passing. She was such an inspiration to so many. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I pray you’ll find peace and comfort knowing she fulfilled her duties on Earth and has moved to a higher calling where we’ll meet again.

  32. Tom-
    I’m so sorry- this is aweful news. Marcia was one of the kindest people I have ever met, plus she had a great sense of humor. She will be missed. Please let me know if there is anything Kevin and I can do.

  33. Tom, Stacy, Mikal, Keri and families,

    Marcia was a talented and beautiful person, a great wife, mother and grandmother and a dear friend. Our deepest sympathies to Tom, who was damn lucky she married him, and to her family she loved so much.

  34. Tom & Family: Thinking of you with deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Sincerely,

    Larry Petty

  35. I am so sorry to hear of Marcia’s passing. She was a classmate at HHS. We were also neighbors on Lockey while we were in high school. Marcia’s mother, Mrs. Holt, was my 5th grade teacher at Central School and has remained my favorite teacher. Marcia was an exceptional person as a teenager and obviously a wonderful teacher just like her mother.

  36. Mrs. Lythgoe,

    You were such a wonderful teacher. I have missed you since 5th grade at Jim Darcy Elementary School.

    For the family, prayers for you.

    Love and God Bless.

  37. Words cannot express the shock and sense of loss we feel. Our hearts are heavy feeling the loss you and your family are feeling. My wonderful memories of Marcia will be with me forever.

  38. Kari, Russ & family – although we did not know your mother (in law) well, we know the pain of losing a parent and empathize with the suddenness of circumstances. We are so sorry for your loss, and hope all the wonderful memories you have of her will heal your aching hearts soon. Thinking of you all…

  39. Tom and family,

    I am sorry for your loss, and pray for your comfort during this difficult time. Marcis’s influence will be felt throughout the generations to follow in your family. The world lost a true saint.

  40. Dear Tom and family: We received news of Marcia’s passing on the same day via Jim Elliot to Margie DeGooyer Green. We are deeply saddened by her passing away so young. It has been a difficult week for you and your family. We wish we could do something to lift your spirits. Knowing of your faith there is purpose to everything. Know that purpose comes later of course. We knew you both so well back so many years ago and treasure those memories. Your combined determination has produced a legacy none will forget who really knew you both. Your combined efforts are not complete and likely never will be. Be reassured we are beside you in spirit and in faith of many good things yet to be known. Our love, Max & Claudia Simmons

  41. I am so very sorry for the loss of Marcia. I have fond memories of her. She was a kind, thoughtful person. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Michelle Erdie

  42. Dear Jack and Leanne, so sorry to read about Marcia’s passing. I knew of her as an excellent educator. She was too young and had so much in her life. So sad to lose her. Sincerely, Judy and mike Trevor

  43. I’m so sorry. It is hard. I know there is nothing I can say that will help, but I do know how you feel and what an impact this has on your life. I am praying for all of you and if you need to talk to someone, I’m available.

  44. Tom and family,
    We are saddened by your loss. Marcia had our respect as a person, a top notch educator, a community member. Please accept our condolences, may she rest in peace.

  45. Tom we are so sorry to hear of the loss. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers

  46. My condolences to Tom and the extended family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
    My love to all,
    Paula

  48. Marcia was one of the nicest girls in her class at Helena High. She always seemed to have a bright smile and a great attitude. I’m know she was a special person, and I’m very sorry for your loss.

  49. I lived next door to Marcia, and I remember a young man -one of our classmates- standing across the street just waiting for her to come out so he could see her. She had that impact on people-warm, loving and positive. I will miss her.

  50. Mrs. Lythgoe was the best teacher I ever had. She challenged me be not to be content with doing the minimum and to challenge myself in all things I do.

    I am now a fourth grade teacher myself. I try to bring her patience, dedication, and care to my classroom everyday. I would be lucky to have the impact on any of my student’s lives that she had on mine.

  51. Tom and family, I was so sorry to hear of Marcia’s passing, please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this trying time. God Bless

  52. Tom and family, words cannot even begin to express my sorrow. Marcia was a beautiful person and brought joy to all whose lives she touched. She will be greatly missed. Beloved friends, may the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.

  53. I am sorry to hear of Marcia’s passing. Your family was a great example to me while I was growing up. You are in my thoughts at this time.

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