Marjorie “Margie” E. Holland, 88, passed away at her daughter’s home in Leavenworth, Kansas on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, just two days shy of her 89 th birthday. Her loving husband Darrell T. Holland, mother Mary Louise Budden, and daughter-in-law Michele Holland preceded her indeath.Born June 6, 1936 in Junction City, Kansas, Margie was raised in a loving home with her mother and grandfather (Grandpa Stanley). From a young age she accepted Christ as her Savior, and her faith in God was the foundation of her entire life.In 1958 Margie was introduced by her cousin who was stationed at Ft. Riley to a young lieutenant named Darrell Holland. She had previously been uninterested in dating any military soldiers, but this one swept her off her feet. Three months after meeting, they married in December of that year and shared 64 happy years together. They were partners in every way, continuing to have God as the center of their lives. The family they created together will remember her as a cornerstone and matriarch: a supportive mother, grandmother, and community member who loved joyfully and unconditionally. Her unwavering faithfulness – especially to God, family, and community – and selfless dedication to serving others are examples of her legacy.As an Air Force wife, Margie not only made a happy home for her family wherever they were stationed (including Turkey, Japan, and numerous stateside locations), but she was actively involved with their local church and community. Their door was always open to those in need. All who knew her knew that Margie loved music. Throughout her life she often served as pianist at church, school, and social organizations wherever her family lived. She had a song for every occasion, and her passion for singing was passed on to her children and grandchildren, who have fond memories of road trip sing-alongs and gatherings around the family piano.Margie was dearly loved by all whose lives she touched. She was an outgoing and social person who would go out of her way to foster a welcoming and encouraging environment for others. She worked for Civil Service at Ft. Leavenworth and as a paraeducator for special needs children in the Leavenworth Unified and Basehor-Linwood school districts. Margie was devoted to sponsoring CGSC International Students and their families, teaching English as a Second Language, and supporting youth via Girl Scouts and international student groups. Margie and Darrell were Church Youth Directors at each place they were stationed. This was a calling they both had, even before they met. She understood the significance of early childhood education, and sought out opportunities to inspire curiosity and a love of learning in kids of all ages.
Highlights of Margie’s social contributions and recognitions include:
Military and later Civilian Sponsor of CGSC International Students and families for 34 years; Japanese Defense Cooperation Award Recipient in Tokyo, Japan, 2015; Girl Scouts of America leader, co-leader, and council leader; Juliette Low Award Recipient; Bronze Award Recipient (Japan); chaperone and ambassador for G.S. Wider Opportunity in New York English as a Second Language instructor, First Presbyterian Church; Taught conversational English to college students and group of grandmothers in Japan, who became lifelong friends; Leavenworth’s Japanese Sister City committee co-founder and member; Leavenworth Sr. High School international student group founder and coordinator for 11 years; Officers Wives Club member; Kiwanis Club of Leavenworth member; KC People to People member Tour guide; Ft. Leavenworth, KS First Presbyterian Church member and former bell and chancellor choirs; Ft. Leavenworth Historical Society member; docent and storyteller at Museum Agricultural Hall of Fame volunteer schoolmarm; Ft. Leavenworth Volksmarch Club member; Youth group counselor at Ft. Leavenworth Main Post Chapel; and various other duty stations Japanese Society of Kansas City member Girls State participant Rainbow Girls member; Eastern Star member; High School Homecoming Queen.
Margie is survived by her son John Holland and daughters Linda Cooper (Richard) and Susan Harris (Carl); five grandsons: Jeremy, Josh, Jerrod, David and Turner; two granddaughters: Alyssa (Jason) and Jackie; one great-grandson, Isidore; and three great-granddaughters: Aureliana, Kyla and Keelyn. A special thank you to Nurse Julie and the entire VITAS Hospice team, and to Pastor Tim, Deacons and members of the First Presbyterian Church.
Visitation will be 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church,407 Walnut Street, Leavenworth. Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Burialwill be at Mount Muncie Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Davis Funeral Chapel for contributions towards the First Presbyterian Church (Christian Education – Godly Play).
