Marian Mcgilvra

Marian McGilvra, 95, of Pella, IA, formerly of Sioux Center, IA, died Monday, March 3, 2014, at the Comfort House in Pella. A visitation will be held on Friday from 4-7PM, with the family present from 5-7PM at the Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. A prayer service for family and friends will be held on Saturday at 10:00AM at Central Reformed Church of Sioux Center. Interment will follow the prayer service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. A memorial service will be held Saturday, at 11:00AM at Central Reformed Church of Sioux Center with Reverend Doctor Ray Tilstra officiating. The McGilvra family prefers memorials be directed to Sioux Center Public Library, Comfort House of Pella, IA or American Legion Auxiliary of Sioux Center. Marian Faye Roggen (affectionately called "Mitzi" by her husband), did not have anything against Friday the 13th. She was born on Friday, September 13, 1918 to Rev. John Roggen and Jacqueline (De Haan) Roggen in Monroe, South Dakota. She graduated from Holland High in Holland, Michigan and attended Hope College in Michigan, Wayne State in Nebraska and Western Union (Westmar) in Le Mars, Iowa. She graduated with an Associate Degree in education and went on to teach country school for 4 years. On June 12, 1942, she married Arthur L. McGilvra in Maurice, Iowa. She lived in South Dakota and Michigan and Iowa before she married and Saginaw, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas after she married. The story goes when Marian found a rattlesnake under Terry's playpen, she moved back to Maurice while Art finished his military obligation. They moved to Sioux Center in 1946 and rented the back room apartment behind Dr. Bern Mouw's dental office. The big safe was used as a closet and Marian was afraid the door would close with her still in it. It never did. Marian was very involved in the church: the church library, catechism teacher, and in Guild and Circle where she worked 9 years in the West Sioux Classical Union Women's Work. Marian held office in the American Legion Auxiliary where she was a member for over 50 years and she also served in the church Women's Club and Public Library Board. She served on the Care Review Committee of the Nursing Home - that being a state appointment. She volunteered in the Nursing Wing and enjoyed bowling, golfing, knitting, playing cards and traveling with friends. Her Chevette was known all over town. When they sold it, the honest truth was that it was only driven in town by a little old lady. Marian will always be remembered for her quick wit and getting in the last word. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Debbie McGilvra of Des Moines, IA; two daughters and sons-in-law: Sally and Tim Baar of Pella, IA and Sue and Kevin Drey of Pella, IA; 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; along with sisters-in-law, Edna Roggen of Edmond, OK and Jane Roggen of Saginaw, MI and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dr. Arthur McGilvra, her brothers: Ivan Roggen and Leon Roggen; and her sisters: Ella Tellman and Margaret De Pree.