MarGene Grant Stratton

MURRAY, UTAH - - MARGENE STRATTON

MarGene Grant was born in Honeyville, Utah on July 26, 1922 to Mary Edna Hillman and John Grant. She spent her young life in Idaho. After graduating from Pocatello High School she continued her education at Idaho State University with an emphasis in journalism. Margene remained in Idaho as she began her career in radio. Most of her time was spent as a copywriter for KSEI AM Radio where one of her favorite clients was Caterpillar Equipment. She was also known for her narration of fashion shows. During this time she met and married Graham Christopher Stafford in 1943. In 1944 MarGene was blessed with the first of her two sons, Christopher Stafford. Their marriage ended not long after, but MarGene was determined to care for her young boy by continuing her work in radio. After realizing that Carl Siemon, her second husband, was not the love of her life, she married George Stratton whom she had met at a Pocatello radio station in 1958. After they were married MarGene and George moved to California where George continued his work in radio and MarGene had the opportunity to spend her time caring for her home and her son Christopher. It was after moving to Colorado, that MarGene had her second son, Gregory George in 1961. Two years later the family made the move to Texas where despite her divorce in 1972, MarGene and Gregory remained until Gregory graduated from high school in 1979. After moving to Murray, Utah decorating became her passion after which she took different jobs that helped her cultivate that passion. MarGene has always had a taste for all things that were beautifully ornate. She was so proud of each and every piece that she was able to add to her collection. MarGene spent the last 30 years of her life accomplishing tasks that would make most young adults cringe. With a strong heart and quick little legs she would walk to and from each and every one of her daily obligations. From work to the grocery store to her hair appointments and of course, church on Sundays; not even bad weather could keep MarGene from getting to where she needed to go.

MarGene's whole world centered around art and architecture, so it should surprise no one that her favorite calling was one of cultural refinement for her ward. Her collection of books could well be considered a library by any standards; and not only did she have impeccable taste in fashion and accessorizing, but her capability to "dress" a table was unsurpassed. MarGene was an incredibly independent woman that could not be stopped no matter what trials were put in her path. When those who knew her would ask if she needed help or if she would be o.k., her answer was always the same: "I'll be fine". I'm sure that this is what she would be telling us now as we are all grieving, and it is important for us to remember as we all try to continue on with our lives: "I'll be fine."