ROCHELLE — A celebration of life service is planned for Rochelle resident Marnie Moorehead on Wednesday, May 23 at 11 a.m. at the Rochelle United Methodist Church in Rochelle.
Marjorie “Marnie” Moorehead, 96, passed away on Monday Jan. 21.
“Marnie passed away in her sleep just three days before our 79th anniversary — a blessing for sure,” said husband Jim Moorehead. “Due to the weather and family all over the country and world, we plan to have a service on May 23.”
Jim spoke fondly of their relationship weeks before Marnie’s passing. At the time, he had expressed his feelings in an interview for a story in the News-Leader to announce their upcoming 79th anniversary — a milestone very few married couples reach.
“We’ve had a good life, and lots of good things happened to us over the years,” said Jim. “I can’t complain at all … I’ve had a good marriage, a good family. It’s been a good life.”
Over the years Jim has also fondly shared his and Marnie’s love story and of the day they married in Clinton, Iowa on January 24, 1940, tagging along with their best friends who were planning to get married. Jim and Marnie were serving as witnesses and when the pastor came in to start officiating the ceremony, a spontaneous decision to marry each other led to over 78 years of wedded bliss.
“Please help us give Marnie a respective send off on May 8. She was top shelf all her 96 years,” said Jim.
The couple has two children, eight grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and five great great-grandchildren.