Obituary of Marjorie A. Dence

Mrs. Marjorie A. Dence, 89, of Ellsworth Street, Amsterdam, NY died peacefully in the afternoon on August 31, 2011 with her family by her side at Albany Medical Center. Born in Amsterdam on May 17, 1922 she was the daughter of the late Percival and Marjorie Acker Murtlow. A lifelong area resident, she attended grade school in Tribes Hill, NY and later graduated in 1939 from the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. On October 12, 1942 she was united in marriage to James Herbert Dence. That union lasted 60 years until his passing on February 6, 2002. During WWII, Marjorie and Jim lived in Texas during his stint with the United States Armed Services. Following the war, the couple returned to Amsterdam to raise a family. For over 27 years, Marjorie was employed in the accounting department for the Montgomery County Department of Social Services. Marjorie was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church in Amsterdam. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women and sung in the church choir until this past June. She was awarded Special Mission Recognition in November 2008 for her work in Global Ministries. Marjorie was also a member of the BPW Business & Professional Women of Amsterdam, having been awarded Woman of the Year in 1995. She also enjoyed her involvement with Local #925 CSEA Retirees. Marjorie was also the past president of the PTA of McCleary School. Above all, she loved and cared for her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Survivors include her four children, James Dence and his wife Dolores of Amsterdam, NY, Nancy Jinks and her husband David of Wheaton, IL, Robert Dence and his wife Nancy of Mayfield, NY and Donna Vergona and her husband Anthony of Amsterdam, NY; 8 grandchildren, Leigh Anne Haberek, Sara Rob Kuehfus, Ian Stacie Jinks, Katie Kevin Bowler, Robert Joseph Dence, Michael Vergona, Michelle Vergona and Marie Vergona; 11 great grandchildren, J.D. Haberek, Matthew Haberek, Jayde Jinks, Samantha Jinks, David Kuehfus, Brian, Kuehfus, Anna Kuehfus, Matthew Bowler, Emma Bowler, Caleb Bowler and Olivia Vergona. Additional survivors include a half sister, Joan March of Oregon; and a half brother, John Virginia Murtlow of Indiana; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, September 5, 2011 at 11 o'clock at the United Methodist Church, 347 Golf Course Road, Amsterdam, NY with the Rev. Greg DeSalvatore presiding. Private interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Tribes Hill, NY. Relatives and friends are invited and may call from 2 until 5p.m. on Sunday, September 4, 2011 at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY, where her arrangements have been entrusted. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Marjorie's beloved church.