Marjorie Eileen McGaha was born March 30, 1941, to Arthur and Frances “Anna” (Bonwell) Waddell in Okanogan, Wash. She attended school in Malott, Wash. and graduated from Okanogan High School in 1959.
     Marge passed away peacefully Jan. 25, 2012, surrounded by her loving family in the home her father built.
     As a child she was involved with 4-H, entering baking and cooking contests and helping on the family farm. She married Vernon Ray McGaha on April 8, 1961, in Malott. They made their home in Wenatchee for the first four years after marriage. In 1965, they moved to the Okanogan Valley. In 1975, they settled into the house she grew up in. They raised two children, Brad and Jennifer.
     Marge enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s numerous sporting and school functions. She was a wonderful grandmother, and enjoyed camping, baking and spoiling her grandchildren.
     Marge worked in accounting most of her life. She began with the Okanogan County Fair Board when she and Vern moved back to the area and worked for two CPAs.She helped to run the family orchard, and after retiring from that, went to work for the Okanogan School District in 1990.
     During her time with the school district, she volunteered with Future Business Leaders of America and attended many national functions. She retired in 2006. After retirement, Marge spent most of her time enjoying her favorite pastime, golf.
     She was secretary of Lake Woods Golf Course and an active member in the Ladies Club. She was also active in Okanogan County Retirees Association, serving as president.
     She is a past member of the Omak Elks and a past member of Okanogan Eastern Star No. 113, having served as Worthy Matron several times. She was appointed a Deputy Instructor by the Worthy Grand Matron of the Order of Eastern Star of Washington.
     She is survived by two children, Bradley Ray of Malott, Wash., and Jennifer Ann of Louisville, Ken.; and the lights of her life, her two grandchildren, Baron Ray of Ellensburg, Wash., and Emilie Anna of Okanogan, Wash.
     She was preceded in death by her husband, Vern; her parents; and brothers, Tom and Stan; and many nieces and nephews.
     Donations may be made to Amedisys Hospice Services, American Cancer Society, Lake Woods Golf Course or a charity of your choice.
     A memorial service will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, in New Life Centre, Okanogan. A dinner follows.
     Precht Harrison Nearents Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements.