Marjorie Witz

Marjorie Viola (Hoover) Witz, 91, of Fargo, North Dakota, died Sunday, May 3, 2009 at home. She was born in Lebanon, Indiana Dec. 28, 1917, the daughter of Alva and Caroline (Stoddard) Hoover. She graduated from Brook High School in Brook, Indiana and received a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from Purdue University in 1940. At Purdue, she lettered in field hockey and was active with Wesley Foundation. She was selected for Kappa Delta Pi educational honorary organization. Following graduation, she taught High School Home Economics. Marjorie married Richard L. Witz in Brook, Indiana on May 25, 1941. They moved to Fargo in 1945, where Dick joined the NDSU faculty. While raising two sons, she was active with the NDSU Women's Sewing Club and Home Economics Club. Marge and Dick enjoyed big band music and dancing with the "Y" Dance club. More recently, her display of Christmas tree decorations from around the world was a big hit with Bonanza Belles. Marge was known for her support of the Boy Scouts of America. After her sons completed Cub Scouts, she conducted monthly Den Mother training sessions for many years. As her boys progressed through Scouting, both earning the rank of Eagle Scout, she began assisting other boys with their advancement, helping over 100 obtain their Eagle badges. She also started a Girl Scout Troop in Fargo. In 1976, she completed the BSA Wood Badge adult leadership program. She and Dick supported the BSA Chaplain Aide Program, conducting services when needed. She was awarded District Scouter of the Year by the Two Rivers District in 1964 and the Silver Fawn for distinguished service by Red River Valley Council in 1973. Marjorie was a member of Faith United Methodist Church and the National Assoc. of United Methodist Scouters. Marge and Dick traveled to all 50 states, 10 Canadian Provinces, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Marjorie is survived by her sister, Pearl Alberts, Murietta, California; one son, John, Chantilly, Virginia; three grandchildren, Sean, Fort Worth, Texas; Megan Artaza, Houston, Texas; Ryan, Houston, Texas; and three great-grandchildren, Ashley Artaza, Richard and Charlotte. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Dean, Herbert and Alva; a son, Fred; and her husband. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 12, at 1:30 pm in Faith United Methodist Church, Fargo. Burial will be June 20 in New Lisbon, Wisconsin. A Memorial Fund in Marjorie and Richard's names has been established to support Scouting (contact John for information, 571-215-0217).