Marjorie Blythe Helen Ganzhorn Stitt
HELMVILLE- Marjorie Stitt, 98, passed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena of natural causes on Friday, October 7, 2016. She was surrounded by all three sons and family, sharing old family stories.
Marjorie was born February 18, 1918 in Billings to Wealtha and Phillip Ganzhorn. She joined her older brother Phillip Miles. She grew up in Missoula where her parents ran a dairy and her dad worked at John R Daily retail meats. When doing chores with her brother Miles, she earned the loving nickname ‘old timer.’
Marjorie attended Franklin School and graduated from Missoula County High School. Marjorie took music lessons starting at age six, and was an impressive pianist. By the time she was in high school, she was told she would have to go to Europe if she wanted any further training. She attended Northwestern Business College in Spokane majoring in business. She worked with the Selective Service in the Missoula County Courthouse preparing the paperwork to draft men into the Army during World War II. In 1941 she drafted John A. Stitt, who she had met when he sold one of his horses to her family. The horse has been referred to as ‘Abe the Matchmaker’ ever since.
Before John left for the Army, they dated, seeing shows and rodeos and visiting friends. They visited during John’s furloughs while still in the states, and were engaged during a furlough from Camp Edwards. They exchanged letters through John’s 4 years and 4 days in the service, a beautiful love story documented in letters that are still in the family’s possession.
After the War, they bought a ranch in Clinton and were married August 6, 1946. They honeymooned in Glacier Park and returned to the ranch where they started their family. Jay was born September 11, 1947, followed by George on February 22, 1950, and then a surprise on December 8, 1956 when Wade followed. Marjorie commented that the most joyful time in her life was raising their children. Her biggest passion in life was her family. The boys had all kinds of adventures growing up on the Stitt Ranch. John and Marjorie saw Jay and George off in the Army as well, and Marjorie was always afraid they would lose one of them.
Marjorie taught music at Clinton Grade School, and took the School Board Clerk position. She also served on the Missoula County High School Board, was the secretary for the ditch company and the Clinton Community Sunday school. She was always well put together and loved to shop. When John would buy horses, Marjorie would buy a new pair of shoes and matching purse.
In 1977, John and Marjorie moved to their ranch in Helmville. They welcomed seven grandchildren whom they spoiled and loved endlessly. Many memories were made with the next generation of the family. Marjorie cooked huge family meals, the holidays were always a big deal, and her happiest times were when she was surrounded by her whole family.
John passed away in 2005, after 59 years of marriage. Marjorie moved in with her son, Wade and his wife, Diana, and lived in their home until her passing. During that time seven great grandchildren were born and were a tremendous joy in her life.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother. She is survived by her three sons and their wives, Jay and Sandy, George and Barb, Wade and Diana; her seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Tim), John (Jamie), Sarah (Luke), Abby, Megan (Tanner), Lorne, and Anna (Cory), and her great grandchildren Liam, Gus, Eamon, Sawyer, Imogen, Hudson, and Cormac.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 22 at St. Thomas Parish in Helmville. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 22, 2016
St Thomas Parish
Main Street
Helmville, Montana 59843
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 22, 2016
St Thomas Parish
Main Street
Helmville, Montana 59843
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Williams Family says
Condolences to the Stitt family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.
Luanne Romasko says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stitt family. Marjorie was such an elegant lady. She lead a wonderful life. Sincere sympathies.
Linda Armstrong Ramsey says
My condolences and prayers go out for Mrs. Stitt and all of her family and loved ones. She was a very nice lady and I will always remember her with fondness. May she Rest In Peace.
Randi Koop and family says
I have many wonderful memories of Margie from my younger days. She was a very classy and intelligent woman. Our thoughts are with the entire Stitt family during this time.
Vickie Caldwell says
My condolences to the Stitt family. I work with and am friends with Anna, so I have had the opportunity to hear great stories about her Grandmother. Peace be with you.