Marjorie Washington

Marjorie Washington, 102, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving family. Marjorie was born on November 2, 1923. She lived a long life marked by devotion to her family, steadfast faith, and a spirited independence that remained part of who she was throughout the years.

Marjorie graduated from Junction City High School with the Class of 1941. On December 25, 1941, she married John E. Washington at Fort Riley, Kansas, where they met. Much of her time with John during his military service was spent on Fort Riley, a place that remained closely tied to the story of their life together.

She was known as a loving mother and grandmother to all of her generations of grandchildren. Adventurous and extremely independent, Marjorie also carried herself with a manner that was strict but fair, offering love, guidance, and strength to those around her. Her proudest accomplishment was her beloved family, and she poured herself into their lives in countless ways.

Marjorie found great joy in caring for others and creating a welcoming home. She loved sewing and made many of her children’s and grandchildren’s clothes by hand, a gift of time and care that became part of family memory. She also enjoyed cryptogram puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, Candy Crush, and Tetris. A devout Catholic, her faith was an important part of her life. She was especially known for hosting family gatherings and holidays, bringing loved ones together again and again around her table and in her home.

In the late 1970s, Marjorie drove a school bus for Fort Riley and USD 475 for about 10 years. It was her favorite job she ever had, and it reflected her steady nature and her enjoyment of being part of the community. After the passing of her husband, she traveled the world with her sister Mary, embracing new experiences with the same adventurous spirit that defined her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Washington who passed away in 1973 and her daughter, Diana Hampton in 1991, as well as eight of her siblings.

Marjorie is survived by her daughter, Karla (Ron) Smith; her brother, James (Ethel) Carroll; her granddaughters Rachel Washington-Madden, Gabriella McDonald, Trina (Lorenzo) Felton, Sara (Justin) Chambers, and Tiffany (David) Price; and her grandson, Ronald Smith II; eleven great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild with one more on the way. She leaves behind a host of extended family who knew her as a source of love, strength, and constancy, and who will continue to carry forward the memories of her warmth, her fairness, her faith, and the many traditions she helped create.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Johnson & Mass-Hinitt Funeral Home, 203 N Washington St, Junction City, Kansas. A rosary will be recited from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 218 North Washington Street, Junction City, Kansas.

Marjorie Washington will be returning to Fort Riley Main Post to be buried with her beloved husband. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in her name.