On Sept. 3, 1937, Marjorie “Marge” J. Prewitt was born to Martin and Margaret Newman, in Tacoma, Washington. In 1942, her family, including her two older brothers Swede and Don, relocated to Reno, Nevada, where she began kindergarten and continued her education until she was 10 years old. Following her parents’ divorce in 1948, she moved with her mother and brothers to Medford, Oregon where she continued her education. She graduated from Medford High School in 1955.
After graduation from high school she met Harry G. Sanford. They were married in the fall of 1955 and had three children, Mark (Billy) Sanford of Glendale, Arizona; Scott Sanford of Portland, Oregon; and Kim (John) Lancaster of Okanogan, Washington. As Harry advanced in his career the family lived in various locations in Oregon including Shady Cove, Prospect and Ukiah before relocating to Tonasket and then Okanogan, Washington.
Following graduation Marge worked for a time at Harry & David’s. While living in Ukiah she was employed by the school district as a bookkeeper. After relocating to Tonasket, Washington she worked at North Valley Hospital as a bookkeeper and also worked for a short time at a fruit-packing shed. The move to Okanogan resulted in a shift in employment to Mid-Valley Hospital. In 1972, she was employed by Okanogan Mental Health as office manager, retiring in 1992. Marge decided she wasn’t quite done with employment and went on to work as a bookkeeper for the Omak Chronicle until her second retirement in 1996. Still not done she went on to work one day a week at the Okanogan Livestock Auction. During her many years of employment Marge exhibited a strong work ethic and took a great deal of pride in her work. She formed many strong friendships throughout her many years of employment.
In 1977, Marge married Robert “Lee” Prewitt who brough two children to the marriage, Bonni Prewitt of Twisp, Washington, and Brad (Jeni) Prewitt of Gresham, Oregon. Marge moved to the Methow Valley which she grew to love for its beauty and lifestyle. She and Lee continued their careers in Okanogan but built their lives around ranching and eventually purchasing a ranch near Riverside, Washington, in 1987. She played an integral role in building their own herd of cattle. From that first calf the herd grew to include 70 cow/calf pairs. As with most small herd ranchers a few of the herd worked their way into her heart and fond memories of her cows stayed with her for life.
Marge was what is known as a “crafty” person who enjoyed a range of crafts over her lifetime. She enjoyed knitting, cross-stitch, ceramics and sewing, to name a few. Following retirement one craft grew in her favor — quilting. She enjoyed her quilting groups and members and looked forward to annual quilt retreats. She loved to share her love of quilting with others.
Marge passed away on Aug. 31, 2021. She leaves behind her dearly loved husband, her children and stepchildren and their spouses, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, one brother, and one great grandchild. No services will be held at this time. At a later date a memorial will be held for family and close friends to celebrate her life. Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel & the Okanogan County Crematory are caring for the arrangements.
