Marjorie M. “Potchie” Ryan
March 16, 2015
Marjorie passed away on Monday, March 16, 2015. She was born on October 28, 1915, in Des Moines, IA to Charles and Ella May Kirfman. Her goal was to live to be 100 so she could be on the Smuckers jar, she was 99.
Marjorie was a graduate of Roosevelt High School. She was a member of Grant Park Christian Church and a Doe at the Pleasant Hill Elks Lodge. Marjorie was a wonderful mom, grandma, and great-grandma. She was an avid gardener and loved to have fun by dancing, traveling, and cooking.
Marjorie moved to Lake Ponderosa in 2004 with her daughter Helen (Tom) Wheeldon. She is also survived by her son, Ralph (Ricky) Ryan of Carlisle, IA; 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Helen Kirfman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Ryan, her parents, and three brothers.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2015, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. A graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 NE 60th Avenue.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Marjorie.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Connie Durr
03/20/2015
What a lady and a lake legend! I asked her once what her secret to longevity was. I will always smile when I remember what her answer was. How lucky she was to have been loved so well. Thinking of you Helen & Tom.
cliff and jerry kirfman
03/19/2015
I just heard a bell ring so I know God GOT a little angel. Our family wants to thank Helen and Tom, Ralph and Ricky for taking care of Aunt Marge for so many many many years I talked to her on the phone when she was 92. She sounded a little down so I asked her if something was wrong. She said Cliffy, I had to give up bowling. Bowling!!!! Most people at 92 can"t walk down the alley let alone throw a bowling ball down it!!!! What a lady. Every time it thunders I will know that you are throwing strikes again. LOVE YOU
Cliff and Jerry Kirfman
03/18/2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom and Helen and their family. We so enjoyed Marjorie and loved her dearly. She was so much fun to be around. She will always be in our hearts.
Jim and Margaret Oakes
03/17/2015
Potchie was the best. She always made us laugh. We will always remember her as the sweetheart that brought love to our life.
She always had so much fun out camping and at the Elks lodge.
Potchie was the perfect example of party everyday like it was your last day. We can only hope to live as long as she did to enjoy life.
May you rest in peace.
Gary Kirfman
03/17/2015
My condolences to Helen & Tom and Ralph & Ricky. Growing up I remember visiting Aunt Marge and Uncle Ralph and never once did Marge not have a smile on her face and a complement at the ready for us kids. She was a sweetheart of a person and very fun to be around. Being born in 1915 it is amazing to think of what she experienced in those 100 years I did a quick check of ongoing events in 1915 and here are a few tidbits:
The US Representatives rejects Womens Right to vote.
Einstein publishes his theory of relativity
1st trans continent telephone service inaugurated
Babe Ruth was in 2nd year with Red Sox
SS Lusitania sunk in WWI
1st radio news program still 5 years away
Rest in peace Aunt Marge you will be missed.. Each night when I pour glass of wine I will always think of you and your Hot Toddy
Marsha Peters
03/17/2015
What a doll she was. She brightened up our lives s at the lake. Put a smile on us all with the cute little sayings and her little dances . We will never forget that special Halloween outfit she wore several years ago . RIP my Dear you was so loved.
Karen Thomson
03/17/2015
My heart is crying at the loss of precious Marjorie! She was so kind, funny, gracious; just being around her made you feel good! A more cheerful soul I've never met. Her sense of humor made everyone love Marjorie (or as some of us fondly thought of her as Dr. Ruth)! God has her in His loving arms; may she have eternal rest. She will be missed! Blessings to all her family, and especially to dear friends Helen & Tom.