Marjorie Ebert

On June 25, 1930, Marjorie Hinckley Ebert became the first white child to be born on Anishinaabe lands on the White Earth Reservation, Minnesota. Her parents, Ira "Parnell" and Cleo Cranney Hinckley, were teaching there at the time. Marjorie's journey on this earth came to an end on June 3, 2023, following the April 15th loss of her companion of 71 years, Fred Charles Ebert. Preceding her in death were her parents and five siblings, Harriet Hinckley Eliason (Eldon), Josephine Hinckley Milner (Bud), Parnell King Hinckley (Rhoda Soren), Cleo Nell Hinckley Eliason (Lincoln), and David Narwyn Hinckley (Dorene Savage Hinckley Ewing).
Marjorie and Fred were blessed with eight children, Marnie Leavitt (Kim), Rebecca Dibble (Stephen), Al Ebert (Jody), Ken Ebert (Teri), Anna Rodgers (Jeff), Melissa Urry (Jeff), Rachel Kelley (Mike), and Kerry Ebert (Jocelin). Marjorie considered her family her greatest accomplishment, which extended to 39 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren.
Marjorie graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Botany and a minor in Education. It was during her last year of college that she met nineteen-year-old Fred. As he liked to say, their connection was "instant chemistry" (having met in the chemistry lab). While Fred completed his electrical engineering degree, Marjorie worked as a swimming and tennis coach. Eventually they managed their own engineering software business, where Marjorie was the sole employee in (and head of) the "marketing department."
Eager to raise their children outside of Utah, Marjorie and Fred forged fond memories and friendships in various locations such as Freeport, Illinois; Waukegan/Gurnee, Illinois; and Ann Arbor/Saline, Michigan, within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon). Throughout the years, Marjorie volunteered in various church positions, including those involving children, youth, and women's groups. She worked with young people in an engaging and accepting manner, and her homemaking classes were beloved by her children, who relished her experiments with candy, bread, and pies.The skills she taught in the "Becoming Better Parents" classes with her friend, Dot Lukens, trickled down to her younger children who were aware that – in the nicest, most earnest way – they were being practiced upon.
She passed her passion for reading on to her children starting with The Tall Book of Mother Goose, graduating to Egermier's Bible Story Book, and from there to biographies, mysteries, and books on astronomy and physics where she inevitably "got lost in the math."
Marjorie had a love of – but, as she said, "not necessarily a talent for" – music; she and Fred made sacrifices to ensure that each of their children received music lessons. While she had an affinity for the rock group "Queen," her lullabies often consisted of classic country-western songs like "Back in the Saddle Again."
Marjorie served in different roles in the PTA/PTO despite her discomfort with being the center of attention in any gathering. She campaigned for her preferred candidates in local and state elections, even as a teenager, going door to door to support her father's successful bid for a seat in the Utah State House of Representatives.
From her teenage years onward, Marjorie studied and created art, including sculpture, pastels, and watercolors. She crocheted numerous afghans, and donated baby hats and booties for newborns in local hospitals.
She preferred working outside to working inside – the feel of the wind on her face and dirt in her hands as she nurtured trees, shrubs, and grew her own produce. Even in her last days, gazing at the beauty of twinkling poplar leaves and irises outside her window brought her peace and happiness.
Perhaps Marjorie's most profound legacy was her remarkable ability to listen attentively to her family and friends. In recent years, her loved ones and neighbors reciprocated this kindness by sharing meals, treats, flowers, and visiting her both in person and over the phone. Their gestures of care and support were deeply appreciated. Special thanks to Linda Downie, Helen Ormsby, Amy Paxman, and the Nachtriebs for their friendship and kindness.
Marjorie Hinckley Ebert, a devoted wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, will be greatly missed as she reunites with her loved ones in heaven.
A funeral service will be held Friday, June 9, 2023 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 525 Woodland Drive E., Saline, Michigan 48176. The service will be available online through Zoom. Please click HERE to view Zoom.
A private burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery, Ann Arbor, Michigan.