Marjorie L. Coon

Marjorie Louise “Mudge” Coon, age 88, of Amana, IA, formerly of Glendale, CA and Washington, IA, died Saturday, June 29, 2013 at Colonial Manor of Amana. Graveside Services will be held at a later date at Oregon Township Cemetery in Ainsworth, IA. Lay Speaker Ilene Schnicker of Washington will officiate. There will be no visitation. Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Marjorie was born July 22, 1924, in Washington, IA, the daughter of Ira Allen and Artie Mae Drake Coon. Mudge, the name her father gave her when she was a small child, was raised on the homestead family farm near Ainsworth in Highland Township, Washington County, IA. She attended the Salem Church of God, a country church that was built in part by her Great Grandfathers Perserved Brownell, (P.B.) Coon and Louis K Richardson. She received her elementary education at Oak Grove Country School. In 1943 she graduated from Washington High School, Washington IA. Upon completing her Commerce Major at the University of Iowa in 1947 Marge and two friends packed up and drove a 1939 Packard convertible to Los Angeles, CA. After arriving in the Hollywood area she got a job with Don Lee Broadcasting Systems and worked for Jack Bailey, Producer & Emcee of the TV show “Queen for a Day”. In 1955 she started a 31 year career for Union Oil of California, UNOCAL, Los Angeles, CA. While at UNOCAL she became a paralegal and was named Litigation Coordinator, Head of the Litigation Department. Upon retirement, Marge went back to college to become a certified Los Angeles Zoo Docent guide. Her strong love for animals was very evident in teaching others about wild animal behavior and habitat. At the Glendale Public Library she volunteered to teach illiterate adults to read. She loved to play cards, especially bridge, and for many years chaired the UNOCAL Contract Bridge Tournaments. She enjoyed traveling to other countries and also took numerous cruises. She lived in the Los Angeles and Glendale, CA area for 54 years. In 2001 Marge moved back to Lakeview Village Retirement Community, Amana, to be closer to her family. Auntie Mudge is survived by five nieces and nephews: Linda Yoder (Larry) of Marengo, Ira Wagner (Sharonlee) of Washington, Bill Wagner (Linda) of St. Peters MO, Sidney Coon (Barbara) of Tucson, AZ, and Janet Freeman (Greg) of Boulder CO; nine great-nieces & nephews, Erica Yoder of Cedar Rapids, Tascha Yoder of Colorado Springs, CO, Rachel Wagner of Baltimore, MD, John Wagner (Jennifer) and, Bruce Wagner (Billie Jo) all of Washington, Ryan Wagner of Des Moines, Anastasia Coon, of Los Angeles, CA, Danielle Coon (Brian Dochney) of Brooklyn, NY and Emily Freeman of Cleveland, MS; four great-great nieces and nephews, Zoe and Rory Wagner, Brody Wagner all of Washington and Charlie Dochney of Brooklyn NY She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother Sidney Coon, sister Lucille Wagner and a nephew John Wagner. Memorials may be contributed to Lakeview Village or Colonial Manor, both in Amana. Mudge was much loved, admired and respected by her family and friends. The family would like to thank the staffs of Lakeview Village and Colonial Manor of Amana for the love, kindness, support and excellent care they gave her. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.jonesfh.com.

Marjorie L. Coon

July 22, 1924 - June 29, 2013