Marjorie McNerney

Marjorie Helen (Beavers) Howard-McNerney was born June 24, 1916 in Villisca, Iowa, to Elvin and Mabel Clare (Higgins) Beavers. Marjorie was the third of five girls who grew up on the farm near Villisca. She attended country school and graduated from Villisca High school in 1933. Upon graduation, Marjorie worked various jobs to help her family during the Depression years.She met Burnal Forest Howard and they were married August 29, 1937 in Clarinda, IA. To this union three children were born: Lonnie, Linnea and Lorain. The family moved to Atlantic in 1944 and Marjorie was baptized May 2, 1948 at the First Christian Church. Burnal was paralyzed in a car accident in 1956, at which time Marjorie, working full time at the Federal Land bank, kept the family mechanics shop open and took care of Burnal at home. Burnal passed away on June 10, 1961 and September of 1961, Marjorie move to Harlan with the Federal Land Bank. She married John McNerney on September 18, 1971. All living in Harlan, Marjorie retired from the banking January 1982, after serving as an office assistant office manager and loan closing clerked for a total of 27 years. She served on the first council formed at the Harlan congregate meal site. Write her and Joan help deliver Meals on Wheels and help with the local share program for several years. Marjorie was very active in The First Christian Church in Harlan and held fairness offices including the office of Secretary to the board from 1979 to 1999 and was elected to the office of treasure from 1981 to 1999. Marjorie and John both enjoyed their church activities and performed in the Easter Passion plays for several years. Some of Marjorie's favorite hobbies included fishing, ceramics, word puzzles, knitting, sewing, gardening, while painting, her church activities and spending time with her three children, seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. John passed away March 27, 1992 and 1999, Marjorie move to the Brookridge Apartments in Atlantic be closer to family. He was a warm, loving person and enjoyed visiting with her family and friends. She has been a wonderful role model to her family and will be greatly missed. She left this life as she lived at with dignity and courage.Marjorie is survived by a son Lonnie Howard of Los Angeles, CA.; a daughter Linnea Murphy and husband Mike of Lewis; and his son-in-law Larry Smith of Anita; seven grandchildren, Dianna (Tom) Williams, Bill (Alison) Murphy, Bob Murphy, Kelly (John) Snyder, Kerrie (Jordie) Harrell, Tracy (Brad) Suhr, Brent (MaLisa) Smith and 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters, Esther Roberts of Milwaukee, Oregon, Irene Stackhouse of Clarinda and Ardith (Neal) Earl of Rosemund, CA; brother-in-law Paul Greenfield of Villisca; many nieces and nephews; various cousins and friends and a close family friend, Armando De La Rosa. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Mable Beavers, her husband Burnal, her husband John, one daughter Lorain (Howard) Smith, one sister Leta Greenville, two brothers and loan Clifford Stackhouse in Wayne Roberts.Funeral InformationServices for Marjorie will be held on Monday, April 5, 2004, at 11:00 A.M. at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic with Reverend Sue Hyndman officiating. Interment will be in the Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda, IA. IN LOVING MEMORY OFMARJORIE McNERNEYBorn June 24, 1916Villisca, IowaENTERED INTO RESTWednesday, March 31, 2004Creighton University Medical Center87 years, 9 months, 7 daysFUNERAL SERVICESMonday, April 5, 200411:00 A.M.United Church of Christ ~ Atlantic, IowaOFFICIATINGReverend Sue HyndmanUnited Church of ChristMUSICAL SELECTIONS"Just A Closer Walk With Thee&""In The Garden&"ORGANISTJodi GreinerBEARERSMike Murphy Larry O. SmithBill Murphy Bob MurphyBrent Smith Tom WilliamsHONORARY BEARERSJordie Harrell John Snyder Great Grandchildren FLOWER COMMITTEEGrandchildrenINTERMENTClarinda Cemetery ~ Clarinda, IowaFriends and Family are invited to a luncheon and fellowship atthe United Church of Christ following the funeral service.