Marion C. Gardner

Marion passed away quietly at home on May 11, 2013 at the age of 90 after a long and brave battle with cancer. Born Feb. 4, 1923 in Kittanning, PA, to Lawrence and Edna Culley, Marion led a spirited life filled with her many varied interests. She attended Bethany College, WV, where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, and served as piano accompanist in several groups. She lived most of her life in Southern California, was employed at Cal State University Northridge for 23 years, the last 13 as Executive Secretary to the President of the University. She sang in her church choir and served as Organist. Her leisure time was spent at the Ballet, Opera, or Symphony, ballroom dancing, enjoying the outdoors, and she loved biking at the beach. After retiring, she was a docent on the Cal State Univ. Arts Council, and a docent at Placerita Canyon Nature Center, where she handled the Tarantulas as easily as the lizards! She moved to Skull Valley in 1985, where she loved hosting visitors to their ranch, and taught Art and Music at the local school, moving to Prescott in 2001. She was a Prescott Art Docent and member of the Outings Club and Symphony Guild. She was a member of the Prescott United Methodist Church. Marion was an adventurer. She traveled regularly around the world, but had a soft spot for Europe and for England, where her father’s family still resides. Marion is survived by her loving husband Reed Shipley; daughter Barbara Boyd of Prescott; son Clint Magee (Theresa) of Park City, Utah; along with nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Marion was a “people person” and loved by many. She is preceded in death by her brother Jack Cully of North Carolina, former husband Wm. Gardner, other family and friends too many to mention. Marion will be dearly missed, especially by her children. We were blessed to have her as our Mother.