Story Photos
 Marjorie Earley, right, gets a hug from Mary Lou Thompson while Kelso Housing Authority Board member Betty Wilson looks on. Courtesy of Julie Douglas
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Kelso honors one of its greatest neighbors, 'Marge' Earley
Friday, May 16, 2008 11:30 PM PDT
By Brenda Blevins McCorkle
Printable version
E-mail this articleMarjorie “Marge” Earley’s ultra shy nature and quiet demeanor hide a secret — she is one of the best volunteers in Kelso.
Her efforts in helping local seniors are hidden no more, which is why the city and the Kelso Housing Authority recently honored Earley for her service to the community. Friends and officials gathered May 9 at Cowlitz Villa to present the 80-year-old with certificates, flowers and a cake, donated by the Kelso Safeway.
Mary Lou Thompson spearheaded the effort to honor the elderly woman. Thompson’s mother-in-law, Doris, who also lives at Cowlitz Villa, is friends with Earley.
Over the years, Thompson has observed Early helping her fellow senior citizen neighbors at the Kelso complex operated by the Kelso Housing Authority.
Thompson said she watched in amazement as Earley lugged neighbors’ garbage cans out to the driveway for pickup and wheeled their grocery carts back to the Safeway store across Grade Street.
Earley also spent many years as the unofficial gatekeeper for Gragg Hall, the meeting place for Kelso seniors. When groups would arrange to meet there, Earley unlocked the building for them, made coffee and made sure the building was cleaned up before the event was over.
Earley also packaged and delivered government commodities to Cowlitz Villa residents who couldn’t get their own. Many times, she added her own share to their coffers.
“Just talking with Mom, she would talk about Marge going over there and donating her own commodities as well,” Thompson said. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve watched Marge help everyone.”
Thompson contacted city offices and the housing authority about honoring Earley. Both groups latched on to the idea.
Julie Douglas, administrative assistant at the housing authority, said Earley’s efforts to help others have “made a name” for her.
“She’s really an excellent example of what a good neighbor is and is well-loved,” Douglas said before presenting Earley with a certificate from the housing authority.
KHA board members also came to the event, including Jackie Collins.
Collins said she didn’t know Earley, but she had experience with Earley’s brand of giving spirit after spending a lot of time in the hospital when she was younger.
“There was a volunteer who would come around with a cart ... and bring small toys to the children who were just newly coming in to the hospital,” Collins said.
She added she doesn’t remember much about the hospital visit, but she remembers the volunteer.
“Those volunteers — like Marge — are what make the bright spots in our lives and renew mankind’s faith in one another,” Collins said.
Before the party in her honor, Earley was kept busy with a surprise “inspection” by a housing authority staff member.
That gave the planners plenty of time to gather at Gragg Hall (the Kelso Senior Center) which is centrally located at Cowlitz Villa.
Mary Lou Thompson laid out flowers for Earley’s garden — which also were donated by Safeway — as well as a bouquet of roses she and her husband, Ken, bought for their friend.
Party-goers gathered outside in the gazebo as the sun peeked through and tried to wipe the chill out of the air. Earley came around the corner to the gazebo and — spying the crowd gathered there — put her hands to her face and let out an “ooh!”
“It has been brought to our attention that the contributions you have made to the city are vast,” said Betty Wilson as she presented Earley with her award from the city of Kelso. “It is with sincerity that we congratulate you. You are an example of our motto, which is the city of friendly people.”
Neighbors testified to Earley’s actions.
“She helped Rose (Putnam) when she had her knee operated on,” said resident Mary McPherson. “She would go and get her garbage can and bring it out. That’s a big job for us people when we’re physically down.”
Neighbor Jinnie Hamby echoed McPherson’s sentiments.
“Every time there’s something to do over here, she pitches in and helps to do it,” Hamby said. “I’ve seen her out in all kinds of weather, taking sacks of commodities to the other neighbors. That’s just Marge. She doesn’t know a stranger.”
Earley knows what she does helps people, but was shocked at the wave of thanks that came her way.
“It’s all a surprise to me,” she said. “I saw that note up on the screen door (of the hall), but I didn’t think about it being for me.”
Her reasons for lending a hand to the people who live around her are simple.
“I like to help everybody,” Earley said after she received her certificates.
She was even more in awe when she saw the containers of blooming annuals KHA members volunteered to plant for her.
“Oh!” she said, her eyes getting wide and dancing in anticipation.
Her friend, Doris Thompson, said she knew the kudos were overwhelming to Earley, which was why she was at a loss for many words.
“She’s one who doesn’t know how to take a thank you,” Thompson said. “She’s embarrassed.”
She couldn’t think of a better person to put on the spot, she added.
“I tell you, she’s got a great big heart, and she never says anything bad about anybody,” Thompson said. “We need a lot more people like that.”
Neighbor wrote on May 17, 2008 6:56 AM:
I'm sorry I didn't make it to her party but I'm glad so many other did. We all need more neighbors like Marge. S.S. "
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