Marjorie "Marge" Simonton

Marjorie M. Simonton

Marjorie "Marge" Manorgan Simonton, 82, died of natural causes April 26 at West Park Long Term Care Center.

She was well known for her love and commitment to her family, church, community, the arts, and politics.

She was born to Estelle and Harold G. Manorgan on Jan.14, 1922 in Kansas City, Mo. Her grandparents were early pioneers in Manville. Her Grandfather, Joseph Albert Manorgan, long-time mayor of Manville, was the bank vice president, owned and operated the Manville Mercantile, and was one of the organizers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her Grandmother came to Manville in 1892 to teach school.

After graduating from Natrona County High School in 1939, Marjorie attended the University of Wyoming where she met her husband, the late James L. Simonton. Following their marriage in 1941 they moved to Williams Field, Ariz., where First Lt. James Simonton served as a supply officer in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Following the war, the Simonton's moved to Cody where Mr. Simonton was elected as Park County Attorney.

During the next 20, Marge was an active member of the Cody Community. At the First United Methodist Church she shared her musical talents as the church organist, youth choir director, and senior choir member. She served on the board of trustees and the Pastor/Parish Committee. She supported her children as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout Leader. Later, she became the Girl Scout Neighborhood Chairman and was chosen as a member of the Girl Scout Selections Committee for National Events. She volunteered to help with many school and extracurricular activities of her children. She enjoyed her friendships and civic service with Eastern Star and PEO. She was a perceptive columnist and reporter for the Cody Enterprise. Her contributions to the community also included serving as publicity chairman for the Cody United Fund Drive, Cody Art League and the Cody Country Snowmobile Club. During the Wyoming Jubilee celebration she served as Park County Chairman.

She was known for her love and leadership for the arts. She served as President of the Cody Music Club and director of the Barbershop Belles. She was director and president of the Cody Country Chapter of Sweet Adelines, Inc. for which she served as Co-Producer of two variety shows. She loved to write scripts and rewrite lyrics to well known songs.

Marge served as a charter member and President of the Cody Country Art League.

She volunteered countless hours to enhance art opportunities in Cody and to raise money to establish a Cody Country Art League center. She was the chairman of its first Western States Art Show. In 1988, she was selected as one of eight state trainers for a Wyoming Council on the Arts Cultural Assistance Network, a group of Wyoming arts leaders selected and trained to share their expertise and problem-solving skills in board development and fundraising. Throughout her life, Marge worked to provide opportunities and experiences for others to enjoy the arts as well as perfecting her own talents.

She loved working at the grass routes level for the Republican Party. She eagerly provided assistance to fellow Republicans. At various times, she was elected president of the Park County Federation of Republican Women, Precinct Committee Woman, Park County Republican Vice Chairman, State Committee Woman, State Convention Delegate. She served as a Page in the Wyoming State Senate and on the Dick Jones for Governor Campaign.

She is survived by sons, Steve Simonton and George (Lyn) Simonton of Cody, daughter Judy(Glenn) Catchpole of Cheyenne, grandchildren Shelley (Matt) Bowers, Michael Simonton, Glenda (Mike) Thomas, Katie (David) Finnoff, Fred (Beth) Catchpole, Lyon Davis and two great grandchildren Kassidy Thomas and Frederick Jackson Catchpole.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Services to celebrate will be 10 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Cody.

Those wishing to contribute to the Marjorie Manorgan Simonton Mermorial fund may contact Sally Henderson at the Shoshone First National Bank in Cody.

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