Marjorie Ellsworth Gillespie

Marjorie Ellsworth Gillespie passed away peacefully December 13th 2011. She was born on February 2, 1913 (Ground Hogs Day) to Preston Blair Ellsworth and Edna (Boyce Walker) Ellsworth. Marjorie was the oldest girl in her family and second oldest of nine children. She was born and raised in Lewisville, Idaho and has many fond memories of growing up on the farm as a young pioneer girl. Marjorie attended grade and middle schools at Midway. She went on later to major in “Food and Nutrition” with a minor in Chemistry while attending at Ricks College, University of Idaho, and Brigham Young University (BYU). Upon graduation in 1934 she applied for a Dietician position/training with Dr. Groves at the L.D.S. Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT and was accepted. Marjorie’s working career had begun, Marjorie accepted work for Utah Power and Light as a “Home Advisor”, within a year a position for Teaching at Ricks College came a long in Home Economics. Marjorie resigned from UP&L and taught Foods, Clothing Construction, and English class as well; many of the students were her own age. Rick’s, Pres. Manwaring recognized her interest in sports and asked her to teach the women’s P.E. classes as well, she accepted. While in her fourth year of teaching at Rick’s she was offered a “batching” position, one year, while a teacher took sabbatical at BYU, she accepted. During this time she attended summer school at Oregon State with her sister Edna and before the year was over she had an offer from the Director of Home Economics as a Home Demonstration Agent. She resigned from BYU and accepted the position with Oregon State extension service. With two brothers already activated in the Army she was determined to answer the armed forces call for dieticians and shortly after Pearl Harbor applied and was accepted April 1, 1943. Marjorie married George Showell Gillespie on May 21, 1944 and received orders June 15, 1944 to report Camp Ellis; her husband was called up and sent to the South Pacific. She served faithfully in France and England until October 31, 1945 when she was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. Her service was truly a highlight to her life she often commented on the experience. Upon returning from the war George and Marjorie were blessed with a baby girl Linda Claire, January 13, 1947. Marjorie and George were later divorced but remained good friends. Marjorie continued her career back home now as a mother. Marjorie would go on to be President of the National Home Demonstration Agents from 1962-1963. Marjorie continued work with Idaho Fresh Pak and built her home in Lewisville and remained there to be close to her daughter, grandkids, and family. Marjorie loved her work and was a pioneer of her time she enjoyed traveling and took many trips with her sisters including one of her favorites to the Holy Lands. She served faithfully in the LDS Church in many callings and spent countless hours in Spanish extraction work for the church, which she truly enjoyed, and aiding with the Humanitarian Projects. Marjorie is survived by her son-in-law Gordon (Connie) Jorgensen, two grandchildren Travis (Jan) Jorgensen of Idaho Falls and Donette (Doug) Hogan of Ririe, 6 great-grand children a bother Elmer (Sally) Ellsworth and sister Dorothy Roundy Mapelton, UT and many beloved nephews and nieces whom all have a special place in her heart. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 17, 2011, at the Lewisville 1st ward LDS Chapel. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday, prior to services at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the LDS Humanitarian Fund or the Missionary Fund or charity of your choice.