Marjorie "Marge" Allen (Riner) Harmon

Marjorie Allen Riner was born in Comanche County, Kansas, November 6, 1926, to Bert and Nell Riner, in Protection, Kansas. She joined her older sister Wynona in their home. The Riner family made their home south of Protection on what was then known as the Goos place. Marge attended most of her grade school years at Bluff Creek School. Her High School years were spent at Protection High School. After High School, Marge attended Emporia State Teachers' College for two years. After her return from college, Marge worked at Jones Drug.
On September 21, 1947, Marge and Les Harmon were united in marriage by Reverend Robert Haynes in the Protection Methodist Church. After their marriage they moved to the Corson place south of town by Kiowa Creek. Marge supported Les in farming and running a dairy farm there.
To their union was born Eliza Melinda in 1953, Tom Julian in 1956, and Damon Duke in 1960. Marge was a devoted wife and mother. Not only did she make her husband and children her first priority, but opened her arms to many foster children as well. Maintaining a household, taking part in church activities, supporting all of the children in all of their endeavors kept Marge involved and busy. She was always the wind beneath our wings.
Marge was a talented vocalist. She was asked to share her warm alto voice as a soloist at many weddings and funerals through the years. She was also a member of a small woman's ensemble who called themselves the Protectionaires. She also shared music with her family. Many memories were made just listening and sharing music with her children.
Marge had a wonderful sense of humor. She could see the funny side of most any situation, loved to tease, and was always ready to share a good laugh. Always looking for the best in people and being positive in most situations was her creed. She was a very perceptive woman, believed in honesty and fairness, and wasn't afraid to "tell it like it is".
In 1985 after the Harmon nest was empty, Les and Marge moved to Dodge City to become house parents at United Methodist Youthville. Marge took on the challenge to mentor and care for the young men at Youthville. Marge touched many lives until her retirement from Youthville in 1990.
While in Dodge City, Marge wasn't able to sit still for long. She worked at RSVP as a secretary all the while supporting Les as he continued his work at Youthville. As a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dodge City, Marge helped teach the Tri Phi Sunday School class.
In 2003, Les and Marge moved to Fort Dodge, Kansas, to the Kansas Soldiers Home. There they maintained a house hold until 2008. After a brief stay in Goddard, KS, and Les's passing in 2008, Marge moved back to Protection where she lived until her passing on November 10 , 2011.
Marge is survived by Melinda and Ken Martin, Tom and Diane Harmon, Duke and Jackie Harmon, seven grandchildren, and one great grandson.
Marge was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, her sister, Wynona Marley, her husband, Billy Ward "Les" Harmon, and one Grandson, Ramsey Harmon Martin.

Memorial service is at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 12, 2011, at the United Methodist Church in Protection, Kansas, with Rev. Vernon Bogart and Rev. La Verne Bolling presiding. Visitation will be after the Celebration of Life service at the Protection United Methodist Church with refreshments.
Memorials may be sent to United Methodist Youthville Farm and Ranch Program, Protection United Methodist Church, or Comanche County Hospital in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, Kansas 67029.