Marjorie Jane Mason

Marjorie Jane Hicks Mason, 92, passed away peacefully Tues. May 8, 2012 at Community Medical Center. She was born March 10, 1920 in Peoria, IL to Senator Lee (Poppo) and Merle (Honey) Mustain Hicks. She married Maurice Frederick Mason on June 13, 1943 in Peoria, IL. He died on May 18, 1989. Also preceding her in death was a son Stephen Frederick Mason, who died on November 1, 1971 in California in an air balloon accident, while serving in the military as a meteorologist. A brother, John E. Hicks and four sisters; Betty Lee Fraser, Helen (Pat) Ennis, Nancy E. Higgins, and Harriette Blandin Cannaday, preceded her in death. Surviving are her daughter, Melinda "Mindy" Jane Mason of Missoula, MT and two sisters; Sara Ann Schneider of La Mesa, CA and Martha (Mardie) Jean Diaz of Chula Vista, CA and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Marjorie was employed at the First National Bank in Peoria, IL; and later in the treasury dept. of Caterpillar Tractor Co. In 1949, Fred and Marjorie moved to Washington, IL and raised their family. After their son?s tragic death in 1971, Marjorie worked at the Washington, IL District Library for eight years and retired in 1980. Margie, as she was known to family and friends will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and friend. She cherished her family and friends and was always there to lend a helping hand. She was known for her warm, wonderful smile and friendliness. She was inspirational to many for her positive attitude and vivaciousness. One of Margie?s greatest pleasures was her winter visits with her daughter in Missoula, MT and enjoying the gorgeous scenery while snow shoeing in the mountains; because of this joy, she recently moved to Montana to be with her daughter, she was so happy in her brief time in Missoula surrounded by new friends and Jill King whom she thought of as a second daughter. Margie was also an avid walker and enjoyed reading, especially historical biographies. She was fond of word games such as Scrabble and all kinds of puzzles including crossword puzzles, Margie also loved to shop. Margie was a former long-time member of the Town and Country Garden Club, a member of the Washington Historical Society and a former Cub Scout den mother and a Girl Scout Helper. Margie and her husband Fred enjoyed ballroom dancing and were members of the Washington Dance a Month Club. She was an active and fifty year plus member of the First United Methodist Church now named Crossroads United Methodist Church and was active in its United Methodist Women (U.M.W.) group. Funeral Services will be held at her church at 11:00 a.m. on Wed. May 16, 2012 with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held the evening before on Tues. May 15, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mason White Funeral Home. Officiating at the funeral will be Pastor Tom Goodell. Burial will follow the funeral service at Glendale Cemetery in Washington, IL with a luncheon following the burial at Crossroads United Methodist Church. Mason White Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Stephen F. Mason Memorial Scholarship in care of Washington Community High School District 308, 115 Bondurant St. Washington, IL 61571 or to Crossroads United Methodist Church memorial fund or to Fort Missoula Regional Parks for building of a portion of a walking path in Marjorie?s name; in care of Mindy Mason 2515 Floral Ct. Missoula, MT 59803. A special thank you to the staff at Village Senior Residence and healthcare providers in both Missoula and Washington, IL; and to her loving and caring friends and family. A Celebration of her life will take place for her many Missoula friends at a later date and will be announced.