Marjorie Hakes

Marjorie Merle Hakes of Safford entered into rest on August 31, 2024 at the age of 92.  She was born in Ute, Iowa on July 1, 1932 to Pearl Dawkins Hyzer & David Hyzer joining her sister Darlene.  She was born during the great depression so the family was very poor. 

She was a "tomboy" who loved to ride bikes and climb trees, always winding up with skinned knees.  At a young age she learned how to pinch pennies and stretch her money, she was frugal her whole life.

At the age of 18, she married a farmer, Robert Hakes in Wilson Michigan, and they were blessed with 3 boys David, James, and Daniel. Marjorie helped around the farm by milking cows and tending to the garden.  She was strong and could lift the heavy metal milk cans by herself.  In the early days, she and her sister-in-law sat on the back of a primitive hay bailer and would tie the wire bales together in the dust and dirt.  At the same time, she worked full time as secretary to the public school superintendent.  She learned from her mother-in-law how to can and prepare fresh food for her family.

Marjorie was a people person and often the life of the party.  It was said that she would crash the funeral of someone that she didn't even know just to be part of the party.  She was a good counselor and easy to talk with about problems, people were drawn to her.  She was also a no-nonsense person.  If anyone got between her and a family member, she became a momma bear and was fierce.  She helped to raise her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She and her husband moved to Collegedale TN to support their children where she worked as an accountant for Southern Adventist University. The couple also took college students into their home and were referred to as parents by the students. They also helped several students financially and felt that a Christian education was of the utmost importance. They never made much money but were frugal and generous to others.

She was widowed at the age of 62 and never married again because she didn't want to have another relationship interfering with her priorities of her children or grandchildren.    She loved baking and was known for her specialty candies that she made during the holidays.  She was a hard worker and expected the same of others and was strong willed until the end.  She hated old age and her advise to everyone was "don't get old."  She drove her red Lincoln MKZ well into her 90's and lived in her home independently. She once asked her grandson if was appropriate for an old lady to drive that kind of car around.

Marjorie traveled to Europe and Central America several times and renewed her passport while she was in her 80's.  She loved entertaining but most importantly, she loved the Lord and witnessed to all that she knew.  She was faithful in reading her bible and studying daily.  She was a prayer warrior and deeply cared for others.

Marjorie joins those who have passed before her, such as her beloved husband Robert Hakes, her son Daniel Hakes, her parents Pearl & David Hyzer, and her sister Darlene Hall.  She leaves behind her sons David (Daina) Hakes, and James (Ginnie) Hakes, 4 grandchildren Scott Hakes, Karri (Bryan) Macri, Anna Hakes, and Robert Hakes, 2 great-grandchildren Joshua Macri and Stewart Hakes, and many nieces and nephews.

All of her family and friends are heartbroken at the loss of Marjorie, she will definitely leave a hole in their hearts.

The family wishes to thank TLC Homecare & Companions LLC for the exceptional care provided during her last year of life.