Marjorie Anna (Steele) Mikesell, 94, formerly of Blairsville, was reunited with her husband Tom in heaven on June 24, 2020. She was the daughter of Lester D. Steele and Mary (Hopkins) Steele and was born on May 7, 1926, in East Mahoning Twp., PA.
Marjorie began her education in a one room school house and graduated from Marion Center High School in 1943. She attended Indiana State Teachers’ College majoring in business education. Then worked at First National Bank. Later she worked at Indiana Farm Credit until 1949, six months after she married her husband, Thomas Mikesell Jr. on April 2nd.
She enjoyed her life as homemaker, mother and farm wife, supporting her husband on their dairy farm. She returned to the work force as office manager for Penn State Extension and retired from there after 18 years of service.
At the time of her death, Marge was the oldest attending member of Bethel Presbyterian Church of Indiana, where she served as elder, deacon, treasurer, long time Sunday school teacher, youth leader and pianist for the youth Sunday school class. As a young wife she joined the women’s missionary society of the church and became a lifelong member supporting its mission and enjoying the many friendships she made through the years.
Marjorie was one of the initial members of the Presbyterian Homes Auxiliary at Saint Andrews. She served the organization as president for two years, spent numerous hours typing their newsletter, and helped out at their many events. She and her husband Tom were volunteers and enjoyed interacting with the residents.
Marge enjoyed reading, cross stitching, swimming, dancing, flower gardening, camping and traveling with her family and friends. It is said that behind every good Indiana County Fair Director is an energetic and supportive wife. Marjorie was a prime example, walking along and supporting Tom for many years. She always enjoyed having her kids and grandkids around for some family fun.
Surviving are two daughters, Terry Semsick (David), of Black Lick, and Wendy Sturiale (Charles), of Blairsville. She was the loving grandmother of seven grandchildren, Zachary Semsick (Julia), Joshua Semsick (Shanda), Chelsea Steigert (John), Christa Lockard (Garry), Laura Hutcheson (Joshua), Casey Carnahan (Adam), and Gretchen Semsick, and twelve great-grandchildren, Tommy, Adalaine, Molly, Julie, Jack, Forrest, Xander, Nathan, Dagny, Annalin, Quinn, and Carmen. Extended family survivors include brothers-in-law, sisters-in-laws and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years Thomas H. Mikesell Jr., her parents, and brothers, Horace Steele (Evelyn) and Donald Steele (Alberta).
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Sunday, June 28, at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 1470 Bethel Church Road, Indiana PA 15701. Additional visitation will be Monday June 29, from 10 to 11A.M. until the time of the service at 11:00 A.M. at the church with her daughter, Pastor Terry Semsick officiating.
Interment will be in Bethel Presbyterian Cemetery, Indiana, PA.
If so desired, memorial donations may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church, 1470 Bethel Church Road, Indiana, PA 15701.
Masks are optional.
