The following is information that was supplied by Marjorie for the 50th reunion held in 1985:

"In 1937, I started work at the Osawatomie State Hospital and married Garrett Dempsey in 139. We lived on a farm east of Osawatomie for 30 years. In 1969, Garrett and I were legally separated and he passed away in 1975. We were blessed with four daughters and a son. Rose Mary Branson is a reading consultant for Osawatomie School district. Anna Workman is personnel analyst for Johnson County Community College and lives in Olathe. Helen Ogden lives in Sioux City, Iowa, and is a dental receptionist. Catherine Montgomery lives in Olathe and teaches Business at Olathe North High School. My son, Garrett, Jr., was killed in a car accident in 1980. He was a signalman for Missouri Pacific Railroad. I have 13 grandchildren. In 1961, I returned to work at Osawatomie State Hospital and retired in 1981. After eight months of retirement, I returned to the State Hospital as a Foster Grandparent and volunteer 20 hours a week. I am a member of St. Phillips Catholic Church and Altar Society. I enjoy gardening, reading, and taking care of my grandchildren.

Our precious mother, Marjorie Ann (Mullins) Dempsey, age 94, of Osawatomie, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2013.

She was born January 16, 1919 in rural Osawatomie, the fourth child of James and Anna Ranney Mullins.

She graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1935 at the age of 16. Before she was married, she worked at the Osawatomie State Hospital.

On November 30, 1939, she married Garrett J. Dempsey. They lived most of their married life on a farm east of Osawatomie and during those years reared five children. As a farmer’s wife, Marjorie worked alongside her husband milking cows and doing numerous farm chores. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing large meals for her family, relatives, and friends. She was especially well-known for her delicious fried chicken and angel food cakes. If someone did a favor for her, that person was promptly thanked with an angel food cake. She also enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening.

In 1962, Marjorie returned to work at the State Hospital. She was known as a hard worker as well as an enjoyable co-worker. She had a great sense of humor with a contagious laugh.

In 1981, she took early retirement when her only son, Garrett, was killed in a car accident. She assisted Garrett’s wife, Susan, in caring for their five girls.

She was a caring individual who enjoyed helping others including serving as a Foster Grandparent for over 20 years. She has been a devoted member of the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church since her marriage in 1939. She was also a member of the Osage Valley Women’s Group for many years and served as a 4-H cooking leader when her children were in 4-H.

She was a devoted mother and “Granny” to 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. In her final years, she displayed grace, dignity, and acceptance while suffering from Alzheimer’s. She took great joy in watching the cardinals outside her window in the winter, and staying true to her love of the outdoors, never missed an opportunity to go outside for fresh air and a stroll. She was truly one of a kind who will be missed by so many, especially her family.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; son, Garrett Jr.; two brothers, Loren and J.R. Mullins; and three sisters, Lucille Butcher, Margaret Kendrick, and Florabel Piggott.

Survivors include four daughters, Rose Mary Branson (Paul) of Osawatomie, Anna Workman (Robert) of Basehor, Helen Ogden (Gary) of Louisburg, and Catherine Smith (Les) of Paola; grandchildren Paul Branson II, Greg Branson, Steven Workman, Brian Workman, Jill Edwards, Jason Ogden, Mariann Dempsey, Jamie Dees, Katie Mitzner, Natalie Dempsey, Emily Dempsey, Tara King, Megan Chase, and Logan Smith; and great-grandchildren Adam Edwards, Jason Edwards, Garrett Workman, Andrew Dees, Brittany Workman, Garrett Branson, Shae Stamps, Garrett Dempsey, Emma Workman, Brooklyn Chase, Claire Branson, Avery Dempsey, Jackson Dempsey, Joseph Mitzner, Landon Smith, Braxton Chase, Laila King, Liam Smith, and Grayson Smith; sister, Helen Stanley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

INSTATE: AFTER 1PM WEDNESDAY, AUG 14, AT EDDY-BIRCHARD FUNERAL HOME

ROSARY: 6PM FOLLOWED BY VISITATION UNTIL 8PM EDDY-BIRCHARD CHAPEL

SERVICES: 10:30AM THURSDAY. AUG 15, AT ST. PHILIP NERI CATHOLIC CHURCH OSAWATOMIE, KS.

BURIAL: HOLY CROSS PAOLA, KS

MEMORIALS: ST. PHILIP NERI BULIDING FUND /OR THE FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM