Marcia Harrington

Marcia Harrington, daughter of Ralph Bruce and Adda (Culver) Livingston, was born Oct. 9, 1921, on the family farm near Monroe. She moved to Newton in 1934 with her family and graduated from Newton High School in 1939. Marcia went on to attend Simpson College and received her teaching certificate. She taught school in Ankeny from 1941-1946. On June 5, 1942, Marcia was united in marriage with Leo C. Harrington in her parents’ home in Newton. Marcia raised her young family, then went back to school and received her BA in elementary education from Drake University in 1968. She worked as an elementary teacher in Newton from 1963-1983, teaching at both Lincoln and Woodrow Willson schools. Marcia was a caring and loving mother as well as teacher. She remembered fondly many of her former students and hoped life had treated them well.

Marcia was a longtime member of the United Presbyterian Church where she served as Sunday school teacher and Deacon, and was very active with the United Presbyterian Women. Marcia was a Blue Bird leader, a 4-H leader as well as a Cub Scout den mother. She was also a member of P.E.O. Chapter ME, the Jasper County Retired School Personnel, Skiff Hospital Auxiliary, Jasper County Historical Society and the 20th Century Club. She was a resident of Newton until November 2017. She had a deep affection for Newton and treasured her Newton friends.

Marcia died March 30, 2018, at Mill Pond Care Facility in Ankeny. She was 96 years old. Marcia was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Leo; by her parents; her brothers, Bruce Livingston and Burtnett Livingston; her sisters-in-law, Louise Harrington, Lois Livingston and Junella Livingston; and her brother-in-law, Charles Harrington.

Marcia was loved and will be greatly missed by her sons, Charles (Jo Cox) Harrington and John (Cate) Harrington; her daughter, Marcia (Rich) Flaugh; her six grandchildren, Karen (Jim) Emmert, John (Jennifer) Flaugh, Rebecca (Eric) Morris, Joseph Harrington, Andrew (Alana) Harrington and Ellen Harrington; her 10 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Lois Harrington; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28 at the United Presbyterian Church in Newton. The family will greet friends following the service and during lunch. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the United Presbyterian Church and may be left at the church or at Pence-Reese Funeral Home.