Marjorie "Marge" Jennings passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on October 11, 2023 at her family farm outside Meshoppen. Marge's presence warmed any room and her kindness and generosity always brought joy to those around her. She truly loved her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to many. Marge will be greatly missed by those who have so many special memories of her smile, laughter, and uplifting personality.

Born Ruth Marjorie Williams on March 18, 1930 in Camden, NJ, she was named after her mother, Ruth, who the family sadly lost when Marge was only five years old. At that time, her Great Aunt Lill and Uncle Will welcomed young Marge into their home in northeastern Pennsylvania -- a move that would shape her life for decades to come. When Marge was 15, the family moved to Meshoppen. It was at Meshoppen High School where a handsome, young man named Harold proclaimed love at first sight the moment he set eyes on the beautiful transfer student.

Marge and Harold wed on March 12, 1949 and immediately started a life together on the Jennings farm, which is now formally recognized as a Pennsylvania Centennial Farm. Marge was very active, assisting with planting, harvesting, and canning. Farm life was also a perfect match for Marge's lifelong love of animals.

On Marge's 20th birthday, the couple turned into a family with the birth of their son, Paul. Three additional children – Bonnie, Merry, and David – would also grow up learning the in's and out's of country living from Marge and Harold. In addition to their own children, Marge and Harold opened their home and cared for multiple foster children over the years. Marge was also known for the compassion and care she provided for many elderly family members who lived on and near the family farm.

Marge was a member of Meshoppen United Methodist Church and, with her love of children, for many years she was active in teaching the Nursery Sunday School class.

In 1961, Marge and Harold founded Slumber Valley Campground, opening access to their scenic property along the Meshoppen Creek to visitors from across the country. Marge was very active in the camp's early days, from greeting visitors in the office to mowing and landscaping the grounds. Through their family business, Marge and Harold met countless visitors who would go on to become lifelong friends.

After Harold retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1988, the couple enjoyed seeing the country via their cozy truck camper. Marge always looked forward to their annual trip to Florida, where she and Harold would explore new destinations and catch up with old friends. Back home the grandchildren looked forward to the fun "newsy" postcards Marge would send, sharing their travels and adventures on the road.

Marge enjoyed gardening and over the years created an impressive assortment of flowers and plants, many of which continue to bloom every year. One of her favorite activities was traveling across the Meshoppen Creek to find decorative rocks for her home garden.

A master seamstress, Marge was often making clothes and quilts for family members. Her skills were valued by multiple generations for weddings, proms, and other important events. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting, and was known for passing out new hats, scarves, and mittens each winter. As for her own style, Marge dressed to impress no matter what the occasion. Her signature accessory was always a large lapel pin on her jacket.

Marge loved coffee and had perfected the skill of convincing anyone around her to sit down and join her for a cup – a very strong cup. For those who were lucky, Marge would end the conversation with a personalized reading of their coffee grounds -- a gift she jokingly claimed was passed down from her Aunt Lill. Although the official camp office was located across the street, the true operational hub of Slumber Valley was Marge's kitchen table at lunch, or "dinner" as she called it. The family camp staff would get fully fed as they discussed each day's tasks and adventures. Just when they thought they were done eating, Marge never failed to slide a delicious dessert in front of them. One of the highlights of her year was hosting the large, family holiday gathering when her house would be full of aromas from her fresh homemade bread, her famous potato salad, and her legendary "Muttley cookies".

Marge enjoyed watching mysteries and westerns and was never shy to provide her own commentary about what was happening on the television screen. She typically did so with one of her beloved canine companions cuddled up in her lap – at least five dachshunds called the Jennings household home over the years. Marge was a big fan of board games and card games. Jigsaw puzzles were also a common fixture in her home – she never let a challenging one outstump her.

Marge was pre-deceased by her best friend and husband of 70 years, Harold; parents, Alfred and Ruth; brothers Harold, Alfred Jr., and Robert; Great Aunt Lill and Uncle Will; and granddaughter, Caroline. Marge is survived by her children: Paul (Joyce) Jennings of Montrose, Bonnie (Kevin) Parfitt of State College, Merry (Tony) McKeon of Meshoppen, and David (Mary Ann) Jennings of Meshoppen. She is also survived by over two dozen grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who affectionally knew her as "Gram" and whose photos were all prominently featured on "The Wall" in her living room. Throughout her years at the Slumber Valley farm, Marge touched so many lives that it's nearly impossible to count all the other special friends she leaves behind.

A Celebration Service for Marge's life will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 2:00 PM from the Meshoppen Community Church, 128 Church St., Meshoppen, PA with Pastor John Shaffer of the Dimock Christian Community and Springville United Methodist Churches officiating.  Interment will follow at the Overfield Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 1:00 PM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the Jennings family asks that memorial contributions be made to Meshoppen United Methodist Church (Meshoppen Community Church), PO Box 159, Meshoppen, PA 18630 or Dimmock Christian Community Church, 9411 SR 3023 Dimmock, PA 18816.  Those who would like to pay tribute to Marge are also invited to carry on her legacy by simply brightening somebody's day with a good cup of coffee.

Arrangements are entrusted with the Sheldon Funeral Home, 8206 SR 6, Meshoppen, PA.  Online condolences may be made at www.SheldonFuneralHomes.com.