Marjorie Welbourn Saul

Marjorie Welbourn Saul On Tuesday, July 15, 2008 Marjorie, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away exactly as she wished - peacefully at home in Boise with her family by her side. Marjorie was born in Caldwell, Idaho on Sept. 18, 1920 to Robert Welbourn and Jean Travis Welbourn. She and her sister Vivian shared many happy years horseback riding and swimming in ponds on the family farm, sleigh riding behind a team of horses, and camping. Quite a real daredevil, Marjorie especially loved riding her horse in thunder and wind storms. The spunky character of her youth was to remain with her always. Marj attended Ten Davis Grade School near Parma, Idaho and graduated from Parma High School in 1938. She attended the University of Idaho, Southern Branch, in Pocatello. She was active in debate, drama and student body government. During this time Marj was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Parma, where she taught Sunday school and worked with youth groups. She later became a member of the Whitney Methodist Church in Boise. In 1943, Marjorie married Orville Obendorf in Parma. To this union was born Janice Jean and Ronald Wayne. Marj and Orville were later divorced. Marj married Joseph Saul in Winnemucca, Nev. in December 1950. During their marriage they welcomed Russell Joseph, Kaye Lynn and Robert Craig. Traveling and camping were among the many activities they enjoyed as a family. Their cabin at Terrace Lakes was a favorite place for friends and family to gather. Marj was passionately devoted to her family and loved nothing more than spending time with them. She also assisted her family financially, working at several western Idaho companies during her long career, including S.E. Johnson Co., Idaho First National Bank, First Security Bank and the Federal Housing Administration. After a short retirement, Marj returned to work for Day Realty Company and the Idaho State Personnel Commission, where she worked for many more years until her final retirement at the age of 74. When not working Marj could always be found shopping - for clothes, hats, shoes, jewelry or a myriad of fashion items - for herself, her family or friends. She was always dressed "to the nines" and did her best to see that her family followed suit. This was met with varying degrees of success. An avid reader, Marj enjoyed the nuances and richness of the English language. Marjorie adored the theatre, old movies, music, travel, dancing, swimming, picnics, Halloween and Christmas. She engaged in lively debates on a variety of subjects, followed politics, news and pro basketball, especially the LA Lakers and Kobe Bryant. During the last days of her life she read the newspaper with the aid of her reading machine and continued her interest in politics. One of her last comments on the current political scene was: "It is a poor reflection of the American people that this country is in the state it is." Despite disabilities and increasing illness, Marj never lost her youthful courage, positive spirit and concern for others. Only a week before she died she was riding her scooter in the neighborhood and entertaining her friends. She delighted in the happiness of others and had a special way of making people feel welcome, accepted and remembered. Her legendary wit and humor, contagious laughter, love of life and courage will live on in the many lives she touched throughout her 87 years. Marj a woman of panache was a strong yet gentle person, wise yet humble, loving unconditionally, never judging others. She was a beautiful lady in every way. Marj is survived by her five children, Janice Westrum, Ron (Dawn) Obendorf, Kaye Felt, Russ (Karen) Saul and Robert Saul; as well as four grandchildren, Erica (Eric) Simmonsen, Travis Obendorf and Alex and William Saul; and two great-grandchildren, Cooper and Parker Simmonsen; her sister Vivian Suddreth and three nephews, Rod, Doug and Colin Suddreth. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Saul, who died in 1990, and her parents Jean and Robert Welbourn. She also leaves behind her beloved schipperke Heidi, with whom she spent many hours of solace in her "bird sanctuary" on the deck at home. Heidi now sits at the top of the stairs awaiting her return. Jan, Ron, Kaye and Russ deeply appreciate their brother Robert, who cared for Marjorie with a loving heart and great skill throughout her final years. The family would particularly like to thank Marjorie's Caregivers, Patricia and Sylvia, for their tenderness and steadfast devotion to her. We also wish to thank her physician Dr. Carla Pharris, her hospice nurse Anne, and the rest of the team at Life's Door Hospice for their wonderful attention, honesty and support. There will be a viewing for Marjorie on Sunday, July 21st from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Summers Funeral Homes, Boise Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 22nd at 11 a.m. at Summers Funeral Homes, Boise Chapel. A reception will follow at Marjorie's home, 2885 Ithaca Ave., Boise. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ( www.stjude.org), the Idaho Humane Society (www.idahohumanesociety.com) or a charity of your choice.