Marjorie Zabreznik Knowlton

Marjorie Knowlton
Marjorie Knowlton

Marjorie Zabreznik Knowlton, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother was called home to heaven to be with our Lord on April 17, 2016. Marj was born on Nov. 2, 1918 to William and Evelyn Hutchings in Galveston, Texas.

Later Evelyn and Marjorie moved to the Washington coast where Evelyn met and married Marjorie’s step-father, August Oliver Zitting. She then moved with her family to the Okanogan County in the Aeneas Valley area where she met the love of her life Frank Zabreznik, they were married on April 27, 1936. Frank operated a farm and worked in the lumber mill until purchasing the store and post office in Aeneas Valley in 1941. Marjorie worked as Post Master at that time. They had five children, Peggy, Jerry, Karen, Katherine and Debbie.

In 1948 they moved their family to Riverside where they owned and operated a dairy farm until 1961. In 1965, they bought the Motel Nicholas in Omak when Frank’s health was failing. Marjorie took on the job running the motel by herself. Frank passed away Feb. 14,1973. Marjorie continued alone working the Motel when she sold it in 1976, from there she worked in a clothing store in Okanogan and she later opened her own dress shop in Omak called the Fashion Shop. It was her dream job!

In 1982 Marjorie met and married the second love of her life Dave Knowlton and in doing so she gained two more children, Joyce and John. They continued with their lives together in Omak until Dave’s death in 2009.

Marjorie was a very active lady in the community and loved the Okanogan valley and the people. She loved being part of making it a better place for all! She was very proud of her community and was so honored to be president of the Chamber of Commerce in 1984. She was also very active with the Omak Stampede selling ads for the program and quickly found herself in charge of that department. She loved meeting and talking with the people and always took time to listen to their needs and concerns! One of her greatest moments was when she received the honor into the Stampede Hall of Fame. After several decades of Stampede volunteer work Marj and Dave were named Grand Marshal’s in 2000. She lived and loved every day of her life with her family as her most cherished treasure! You will be greatly missed! Until we meet again, your family’s hearts will always have a part missing that only you can fill! We will always love you!

Marj is survived by her five children, Peggy Weitman (Clarence), Jerry Zabreznik (Linda), Debbie Doner (Mike), John Knowlton, Joyce Knowlton (Leslie), 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her mother, Evenly Zitting, her father, August Zitting; her husband Frank Zabreznik; infant daughter, Kathrine; daughter, Karen Crowder; infant grand daughter Amanda, brother, Ron Zitting; granddaughter Cindy Weitman; grandson Mark Weitman; and Marjorie’s 2nd husband Dave Knowlton.

A Viewing will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at the Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel. Services for Marjorie will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 29, 2016 at Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel on Elmway in Okanogan. A lunch will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Okanogan Eagles.

Marjorie Zabreznik Knowlton