Marjory Ussher Atkins

MARJORY "Marjie" Ussher Atkins went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, November 6, 2015 after a courageous and inspirational battle with cancer. It brings sorrow to those who knew and loved her that she left us so soon. We take comfort knowing she is in God's loving care, and we celebrate that she lived a wonderful, full life. Marjie will be missed and remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, coach, and friend. She loved life, and was passionate about so many things. Marjie was born on May 29, 1958 in Santa Barbara, California, to Tom and Judy Ussher. She was raised in Southern California and graduated from Fallbrook High School in 1976. She loved horses when she was young, and she had many fond memories of riding and showing her horse, Doodlebug. She attended college at the College of Idaho in Caldwell. It was there she met her future husband, Scott. Scott and Marjie were good friends first, and their first "dates" consisted of playing tennis-an activity they continued with throughout their married lives. As time passed, they fell in love, and Marjie and Scott enjoyed 34 years of married life together. After college, Scott worked in Ontario, Oregon, and Marjie began her teaching career in Twin Falls, Idaho. Marjie and Scott were married in 1981 in Twin Falls, Idaho in the First Presbyterian Church. They moved to Payette, Idaho and later to Burley, Idaho for several years, but ended up back in Twin Falls in 1992. Marjie loved being a mother and she felt so blessed to have two wonderful children of her own. But her love of children and her "mothering instinct" went far beyond her own children. Marjie was one of those people who truly loved what she did for a living-teaching middle school children about Idaho and U.S. History. She put her heart and soul into teaching history at O'Leary Middle School. She often ran into former students who told her they still had their Lewis and Clark journal from her class. Marjie was able to combine her love of teaching history with her passion for running when she became the O'Leary Cross Country Coach. She was an avid runner herself, having run two marathons and numerous half-marathons. She did her best to encourage others to love it as well. Her goal was to simply encourage children to get outside, get some exercise, respect one another, and do their best. Her infectious love of the sport resulted in record numbers of participants and a highly successful winning program. Marjie's love of teaching didn't end when school let out for the summer. She spent many summers in Maine as a counselor at Camp Wawenock, teaching young girls swimming, tennis, crafts, and valuable life lessons as well. Marjie has been an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Twin Falls, the church she was married in, for the last 24 years. She was a deacon, played in the bell choir, and was involved in a variety of other activities. In addition to helping with youth activities, she had a special love for the annual Deacons Christmas Basket project. Marjie was also passionate about nature and just being outdoors. She loved to camp, canoe, and fish with her children and husband, Scott. She also loved to go snowshoeing and yurting in the winter. One of her greatest pleasures in recent years was when she could go camping for the first time with grandchildren. She ran early almost every morning, rain, snow, or sunshine, often joined by her good friend, Griselda. She loved a beautiful sunrise while on a run, or sunset while canoeing on a high mountain lake. Marjie also loved to travel, something she and Scott were fortunate enough to do quite a bit of. Probably her favorite place to camp and hike was the nearby Sawtooth Mountains. Marjie was also able to rekindle her love of horses (and children) by volunteering at Rising Stars Therapeutic Riding Center for several years. Marjie is survived by her husband Scott of Twin Falls; her children David (Joan) Atkins of Hayden, Idaho and Becky (Matthew) Swank of Murray, Utah; her parents, Tom and Judy Ussher, of Greenwood, CA; her brother, Steve (Alethia) Ussher of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; grandchildren Claire, Caleb and Lucas; and several nieces and nephews. Losing someone so vibrant and full of life to cancer is heartbreaking, and something we struggle to understand. But along with the sadness and pain, Marjie and Scott were touched so deeply over the last 10 months by the warmth of love, compassion, and generosity of so many. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital, the University of Utah Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, U of U Physical Therapy-Sugarhouse Health Center, HealthSouth Rehabilitation in Sandy, Utah, CPR Physical Therapy in Twin Falls, Saint Luke's Rehabilitation in Twin Falls, Rising Stars Therapeutic Riding Center, and Hospice Visions of Twin Falls. We also sincerely thank Dr. Joseph Ippolito. We greatly appreciate the love and support from Pastor Phil Price and the congregation at the First Presbyterian Church, the staff and students at O'Leary Middle School and the entire Twin Falls School District. Lastly, we simply want to thank everyone who loved and supported Marjie and her family through prayers, good thoughts, visits, dinners, cards, texts, emails, following her blog, gifts, financial contributions toward medical expenses, and loving friendship. Marjie was truly a kind, courageous, inspirational person who touched many lives. She will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church in Twin Falls, Idaho at 11:00 a.m. This will be followed by a celebration of life luncheon at approximately noon at O'Leary Middle School in Twin Falls. All are invited to join the family for both the memorial service and luncheon. A private family ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Rising Stars Therapeutic Riding Center, the First Presbyterian Church of Twin Falls, or any charity of your choosing.