Marjory Wright's Obituary
In the Beginning
Marjory Wright, Mom, was born to Len and Liola Thrift on August 3, 1923 in Puyallup, Washington. The Thrifts lived on a farm between present day Thrift and Orting hill. They raised chickens, cattle, and pigs. Mom had two brothers, Leonard and Roland. Leonard passed away at two years of age, when Mom was only four years old. He left an indelible impression on Mom. Her parents began the adoption process to add Bob and Ray Ogden to the family. But, Grandpa Len passed away as a result of injuries from WWI when the Odgen twins had been in the home only 9 months. Although Bob and Ray were considered bona fide members of the Thrift family, the adoption was never completed and their surnames reverted to “Ogden” when they joined the military. Mom’s childhood was spent farming and schooling, first trekking to the Thrift School, them completing high school at Kapowsin. College was not an option for Mom, despite the desire, as her mother was a widow raising four children by that point. Thus, Mom began what would be a vast and busy work career.
Up, Up and Away
Marjory attended business school in Tacoma and then worked in Seattle. During WWII, she ventured to Alaska, working in finance for the Civil Service in Anchorage and as a waitress on evenings and weekends. Weldon Wright, stationed at Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians with the U.S. Army Air Corps, had a stopover in Anchorage while the B-24 on which he served was being repaired. Dad was a handsome man and looked sharp in his military uniform when he ventured into that diner. The two struck up a conversation which led to a first date the next day. So, it started with a bicycle ride! They were wed ten days later, on August 30, 1943. Their marriage was spent mostly in Graham and Roy, Washington and lasted until Dad’s passing in 1991.
A Working Woman
Mom’s work career did not end with her diner experience. Accounting, payroll and stenography were the occupations that remained constant and allowed her to earn a government pension. She also earned her Social Security by taking on several jobs outside of the Civil Service. Marjory worked as a teller at the Orting State Bank, a private secretary, in personnel for Atlas Foundry, and then in finance for US Gypsum. Her caring manner led her to be successful working in the stockade where prisoners were transferred at Fort Lewis and supported her position working in the VA Hospital in Seattle. After retirement, Mom took on work as a caregiver, living with elderly women who required her care and company 24/7.
Always Caring
The care-giving role came naturally to Mom and marked much of what she stood for and how she presented herself. She loved wiener roasts and picnics, which always included friends as well as family. She regularly invited friends to the family dinner table and often hosted young soldiers from Ft. Lewis for Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. Her own experience as a military spouse helped her understand their need of being included, especially on the holidays. Mom’s care extended to her children. She was an active member in the PTA. If Mom saw a need, she met it. She would go to JC Penney’s and have items sent to the home of children in need. She also encouraged her children to purge their closets to send clothing overseas to children who were in need in war torn areas.
Looking After Her Own
Marjory’s care and concern was focused first on her family. With the help of her own mother, she was able to care for the three of us children even while Dad was stationed in Japan for three years during the Korean War. (Our youngest sibling, Carl, was not born until after the Korean War.) In Dad’s absence, Mom purchased a home with ten acres of land and set down roots for us children in Graham. She made great effort to ensure we had all our needs met. We recall the joy of making homemade butter with Mom. Well, we enjoyed washing the butter and shaping the butter bricks. But, none of us miss the churning of the butter! In those early days, we recall how Mom, thin as a rail, would make homemade bread, slather it with butter and top it with honey and homemade whipped cream. Not the healthiest of diets! But, this was to change. Mom read a copy of Adele Davis’ “Eat Right to Keep Fit” and it changed the dietary options for the entire family. The health factor became so significant, we reached the conclusion that drinking pop and eating candy must have been against our religion!
Bible Based
While we endured the healthy eating, we’re thankful Mom’s spirituality and religion was Bible based. She was one of the first people to own a coffee-pot with a timer. She would rise with the fresh-brewed coffee at 4 AM each morning to read her Bible and pray. She was a very faithful woman, attending meeting every Wednesday and Sunday. Loran recalls, “If kids came over and wanted to play, it was Bible study first…all of us reading some verses…and then we could go ride or play”
Other Interests
Between her busy work life, caring and feeding her own family and those in need, and fueling her spirituality, it is amazing that Mom had time for other interests. However, she was a true “green-thumb,” always having a beautiful array of house plants. Mom also sang…and played the harmonica and piano. She also enjoyed writing and eventually penned a book, Margo’s Child, with the help of her grandson, Larry. Beyond the artistic, Mom sewed and ironed, hiked and picnicked, and always stayed active.
A Legacy of Love and Loving
Mom leaves her growing family with a legacy of love and loving. She lived her life like Jesus, caring for those in need and ensuring that all were accepted. She inspired her family to continue on in the same giving and loving manner. Mom passed away on July 23, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband, V. Weldon Wright, and her granddaughter Carie Holladay. She will be missed by surviving brother, Roland (and Colleen) Thrift; sons Leonard (and Joyce) Wright, Loran (and Cindy) Wright, Carl (and Doris) Wright, daughter, Jan Rae (and Joe) Satake, 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
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