Marjorie Jean O'Harra

December 27, 1927 - July 9, 2019

Marjorie O'Harra December 27, 1927 - July 9, 2019 Marjorie O'Harra died on July 9, 2019 in Medford, Oregon, at the age of 91. Marjorie, a lifelong resident of the Rogue Valley grew up in Ashland and later moved to Jacksonville. She married Robert "Bob" O'Harra in June 1947 and went on to raise a family in Ashland. They shared the love of travel and enjoyed travelling the United States in everything from a tent trailer to a motor home – exploring blue highways and small towns Their favorite overseas destination was Ireland where they spent many extended visits researching the O'Harra history. Marjorie graduated from Ashland High in 1945 and went to Journalism School at the University of Oregon. After returning to the Rogue Valley she worked at the Ashland Daily Tidings and Medford Mail Tribune. In the early 1960's Marjorie became the Regional Editor at the Mail Tribune and wrote a weekly column "From the desk of Marjorie O'Harra". In 1973 Marjorie was appointed the first woman County Commissioner to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. She was recognized by the Ford Administration and participated in President Ford's Press Tour in 1976. She did not continue a political career, as writing was her passion, especially history. Marjorie wrote "Ashland, the First 130 Years" in 1981, "Southern Oregon Short Trips into History" in 1985, and "Ashland in Transition, 1980's and 1990's" in 2000. Marjorie continued to write providing short stories to a local Jacksonville publication. Marjorie was predeceased by her parents Otto and Verla Lutz, husband Robert "Bob" O'Harra, and sister Virginia Wishard. She is survived by her two daughters, Kathy (John) Buck, and Laurie O'Harra; granddaughters, Sarah Casey, Amy Buck, Emily Walters, and Jodi Vetter; three great-grandsons; and 4 great-granddaughters. Private services will be held. Arrangements are being handled by Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home in Ashland. Friends are invited to sign the guest book at https://www.litwillersimonsen.com/obituaries/Marjorie-O-Harra/ In Lieu of flowers, donations be made to Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice - Celia's House in Holmes Park.