Marjorie (Marge) Jane Gregerich Mellergaard passed away Thursday, January 5, 2012, at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was 79.Marjorie was born on October 30, 1932, in Cle Elum, Washington, to Manda and Frank Gregerich. She attended school in Thorp and graduated from Thorp High School in 1951. She attended Central Washington State College of Education and graduated with a teaching degree in August of 1954. Her first teaching job was in Moses Lake where she taught 1st and 2nd grade for two years. In 1955 Marge moved back to Ellensburg and married Laurin Mellergaard on June 11, 1955. She taught for two more years at Damman School. Three wonderful sons were born soon after: Brian in 1957, Brent in 1959 and Todd in 1966. Marge was first and foremost a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother and homemaker. She loved her family and loved making others feel at home when visiting. She loved to cook and was an outstanding hostess.Marge took great pride in her house, yard, and garden; growing beautiful flowers and doing most of the work herself. Almost every Friday you would find her mowing her lawn, trimming flowers or raking the lawn to keep it looking pristine. During harvest she ensured the busy crews were kept well fed, bringing them lunch, dinner or a midnight meal if they were still working. Living and working on a cattle ranch meant cattle drives, and Marge made each one of them special. The drovers were treated to her wonderful food, quick wit & humor and experienced her "True Grit", as she rode her horse, moving the cattle along with the best of them.Marge loved to travel and explore new places but was always ready to come home to the beautiful Kittitas Valley. In later years she took up a passion for golfing and was a member of the Ellensburg golf and country club. She enjoyed water-skiing, horseback riding, snowmobiling and dancing. She and Laurin were members of the dance club Rigadoon for many years. She was active in the Kittitas County Cowbells and served as both president and past president. She was also a member of the Emblem Club and belonged to Study Club. Marge is survived by her husband, Laurin Mellergaard, 3 sons' Brian Mellergaard (Carol), Brent Mellergaard (Evelyn) and Todd Mellergaard (Kambra). Six grandchildren; Jason Mellergaard (Ashleigh), Manda Mellergaard, Elaina Mellergaard, Jorden Mellergaard, Coleson Mellergaard and Brandon Mellergaard and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her three sisters and two brothers; Marie Hunt in Wisconsin, Bernice Haberman (Bill), Harriet Bland (Larry), Frank Gregerich Jr. and Robert Gregerich (Keri) all from Ellensburg. She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Manda Gregerich and sister-in-law Lillian Gregerich. The service will be held at Steward and Williams Chapel on Tuesday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m. with a graveside service to follow at IOOF cemetery and a celebration of life will be held at the American Legion following the graveside service for her friends and family. In lieu of flowers the Mellergaard Family suggests donations be made to: Hospice Friends The Alzheimer's Foundation of America401 E. Mountain View 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl.Suite 3 New York, NY 10001.Ellensburg, WA 98926 1-866-232-8484 The Mellergaard Family would like to extend their gratitude to Marge's loving caregivers from Cedar Hills Nursing Home in Yakima, Hospice of Kittitas Valley and the friends and neighbors who extended their love and support to the family.A special note of loving thanks goes to Stacey Bond. Prior to Marge going into the nursing home, she was her principal caregiver and assisted in guiding the family through tough decisions. In Marge's last few days, she gave her 24/7 nursing care and never left her side. Steward & Williams Tribute Center is handling arrangements. Condolences for the family can be left online at www.steward-williams.com.