Marjorie Jeannette Ove (Hopkins, Stanton) Berkenbile, 81 Nov. 29, 1930 - Dec. 19, 2011

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marjorie Berkenbile, our loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Margie was born in Charlson, N.D., and died in Post Falls, and is survived by her large and loving family: children, Shelley (Don) Johnson, Gary (Laurie) Hopkins, Jan (Dave)Roseleip, Becky (Gary) Graham, Greg (Debbie) Hopkins; step-children Gary (Sylvia)Stanton, Janet Huff, Jim (Vickie) Stanton, Jack (Terry) Stanton, Debbie (Gary) Long; siblings, Irene Belstad, Maxine (Hillard) Pfundheller, Stan (Jane) Ove and Shirley Belstad; 21 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and too many beloved friends to count.

Marjorie was preceded in death by infant son, Craig Hopkins; son Douglas Hopkins; husband Jim Stanton; husband Recil Berkenbile; sister Lorraine Henry; and parents Maxwell and Cailla Ove.

Margie had a genuine zest for life. She spent most of her career as a longtime bookkeeper for Commercial Creamery in Spokane, retiring in 1988 to accompany her husband, Jim, on various outdoor adventures. They spent many enjoyable years together as pilot and co-pilot, providing scenic float plane tours to the public at Priest Lake and Lake Pend Oreille. She also took great pleasure in cross-country motorcycle trips, winter snowmobiling and traveling the world, especially enjoying Australia and New Zealand.

Margie had a heart for service and was involved in Meals on Wheels in Stevens County. She enjoyed participating in her various church groups, especially tying quilts. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her delight. Equally comfortable in the great outdoors as she was cooking delicious spectacular meals, the two activities often combined into incredible family events.

Visitation will be held between noon and 5 p.m. today, Dec. 22, 2011, at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 North Spokane St., Post Falls. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, at Peace Lutheran Church, 618 Wallace Ave., Coeur d'Alene, with reception following. Internment service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, at Meyers Falls Cemetery in Kettle Falls, Wash.

Suggested memorial gifts can be made to Peace Lutheran Church Building Fund or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls, is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign Marjorie's guest registry and view her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.