Marjorie Louise Kelley (nee Hoepker), 84, died Dec. 22, 2023, in Waterloo. Marjorie was born on Sept. 29, 1939, in Plum Hill, the eldest child of Ralph and Hazel Hoepker (nee Zapp). 

Majorie married William Kelley on Sept. 16, 1967. As newlyweds, they moved to Las Vegas, Nev., in 1968 and were married for 32 years before Bill’s death. The couple enjoyed traveling. 

She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Marge worked as a key punch operator for the gas company and later as a file clerk at the hospital. She volunteered with Reach to Recovery as she was a breast cancer survivor. 

She lived independently in Las Vegas until suffering a stroke in early 2023. Her niece Faith and her husband Brent selflessly cared for her until her death. During her illness she was a beautiful example of dying gracefully, always showing her appreciation for those who cared for her. She never lost her sharp wit, dry sense of humor, or interest in lifelong friends and family members. 

She is survived by her only brother Steven (Judy) Hoepker of Makanda; nieces Faith (Brent) Clark, Jill (Gregory) Mills, Stephanie (Jay) Bethel, Dana McClane, Mindy Boxx and Whitney Tolley; and nephews Chad (Anne) Vasquez, Nicholas Tripp and Tyler (Lauren) Hoepker. Aunt Margie is survived by 16 great-nieces and nephews and six great-great-nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents Margie is preceded in death by her husband William Kelley and her sister Karen Vasquez (nee Hoepker). 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. March 2 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo with Rev. William E. Groennert officiating.

Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Columbia.

Memorials may be made to: the American Cancer Society; or the donor’s choice.