Obituary
Marjorie Princess Stiles (Smith) passed away peacefully on July
13, 2026, at the age of 86.
She was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1940, in Alexander,
ND, to Web and Princess Smith. She was the second of the 4 girls—her older
sister Brenda, and two younger sisters Betty Jane, and Nancy. Her Father
operated grain elevators, so they moved through a few small towns before
settling in Hope, North Dakota.
She loved growing up in Hope, and was a busy Hope High School Hustler,
participating in chorus, plays, student council, yearbook staff, school paper,
and band. She was the marching band
majorette, and a lifeguard at the pool a few blocks from her home. She graduated in 1958.
She went on to Valley City State Teachers College, planning to
become a pharmacist. However, she met
Dick Stiles who was set to graduate in a few years, so Marj decided to become a
teacher because it was a two-year program.
Dick and Marj married in 1961 and followed the Oregon Trail to
teach in Richland OR. Son Todd was born in 1962 and daughter Carrie followed in
1963. They taught in Douglas County for a year, before heading for Estacada in 1965. Son Doyle came along in 1966.
Teaching was the love of Marjorie’s life. She taught in Estacada Grade School and Eagle
Creek School. She treasured and believed
in the abilities of each child. She had
a way of making each of her students feel special. She loved art, poetry, creativity and fun –
frequently coming up with lessons and activities outside of the regular
curriculum! Marjorie enjoyed and
appreciated her fellow teachers. She
retired in 1998, but continued to substitute for several more years. She touched the hearts of many students in
her career, and she loved each one.
A special thank you to the staff of Aveena Memory Care who
lovingly cared for Marjorie the last three years.
Marjorie is survived by her husband Dick, her sisters Betty Jane
and Nancy, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.