Marjorie G. Elkinton's Obituary
Marjorie Gertrude Elkinton, the youngest of three children, was born to Nicholas and Ella DeYoung in their farm home at Prairie View, Kansas, on May 29, 1920, and died on September 1, 2015. She was 95 years of age. The matriarch of her family, Marjorie was predeceased by both of her parents, sister and husband, Viola and Otto Groeneveld, brother and wife, Wilbur and Margaret DeYoung, and son-in-law, Stephen Mollet. Marjorie graduated from Prairie View High School where she enjoyed playing basketball. She attended Fort Hayes University in Hayes, Kansas for two years, and received her Life Teaching Certificate. She taught in the Kansas public school system for two years. On May 29, 1941, she married the love of her life, Floyd Elkinton of Prairie View, Kansas, at her parents’ farm home, a union that spanned 67 years until Floyd’s death in 2008. The happiest and proudest times in Marjorie’s life were when she and Floyd learned they were to become adoptive parents. Both Marjorie and Floyd embraced parenthood and were overjoyed and grateful for the opportunity to raise their three children, and never missed an opportunity to tell their children, relatives and friends what a blessing their family was to them. The foundation of Marjorie’s life was her unwavering faith, devotion and commitment to her church. Marjorie was a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church (USA) serving as a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the choir, and a leader of women’s work. While serving at John Knox Presbyterian Church, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she was ordained as a Ruling Elder. In 1969, following relocation to Richardson, Texas, Marjorie and Floyd became members of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, where she remained a devoted member until the end of her life. The complications of aging and a severe fall required her move to assisted living. Marjorie is survived by three children, Carole Ray (Allen); Rozlyn Mollet; and Roger Elkinton (Ricki) and seven grandchildren, Greg Ray (Reine); Gerald Moody (Jamie); Tamatha Ray; Robert Moody (Michelle); Melissa Curry (Greg); Katrina Powers (Jason); and Brandy Nicholson (Billy), as well as fourteen great-grandchildren, Bryan, Amanda and Chandler Ray; Christopher and Kaylee Moody; Dillon Moody; Brittany Bares; Sadie Banks; Alanna and Reese Curry; Blake and Larissa Powers; and Katelyn and Brooklyn Nicholson. Also surviving are five nieces, Sharron Casidy (Richard); Karen Gipson (Carl); ViAnn Fox (Ralph-deceased); Rita DeYoung; and Lorna DeYoung. A graveside service for immediate family will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243, followed by a memorial service and celebration of Marjorie’s life at 3:00 p.m., at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, 9800 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Marjorie’s name, to the Music Fund at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Marjorie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marjorie?
Share a story where Marjorie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marjorie you’ll never forget.
How did Marjorie make you smile?