Virginia Elizabeth (Marrs) Temple , age 87, died on the 16th of July, at 7:52pm in Salem, Utah surrounded by daughters Angie, Diane, and Judy.
She was born on August 14, 1938, near Delaware, Oklahoma, to Ed and Jennie (Kirk) Marrs. She grew up in Delaware, graduating from Delaware High School in 1956. She married Harry F. Temple in Nowata, Oklahoma on February 2, 1957. At the time they were married, Harry was in the Navy, and the next few years were spent in various places before Harry was discharged from the Navy in September 1960.
They returned to Nowata then, and Virginia returned to work at Cities Service Oil Company, where she had worked previously. In 1964 Harry returned to Oklahoma State University to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. Virginia worked for the Soil Conservation Service there while he attended college. They later moved to Bartlesville, then to Nowata, where they lived on their farm for 43 years.
Virginia served as the Nowata Chamber of Commerce executive secretary for 7 years and as Nowata City Clerk for several years, retiring from the City in 1997. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the rest of her life after joining in 1959. She spent a large part of her life researching for her ancestors, and was very active in family history, helping many others to find their own families. She moved to Utah in 2011 and has lived there since that time.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Temple, her daughter Susie Temple, her parents, and all her siblings. She is survived by her daughters Patty (James) Kulbeth of Bulverde, Texas; Judy (Ross) Johnston, Toquerville, Utah; Nancy (Carl) Murray, Thompson Falls, Montana; Diane Temple, Meridian, Idaho; and Angela (Kirk) Rogers of Salem, Utah. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren, their spouses, and 21 great-grandchildren.
Service Information
Utah: A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 25 West Apple Blossom Way in Salem, Utah. Visitation will be prior from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church.
Oklahoma: Visitation will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Benjamin Funeral Home, 114 West Cherokee Avenue, Nowata, Oklahoma. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28m 2026, at Nowata Memorial Cemetery, 1127 South Pecan Street, Nowata, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation:
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF): Focuses heavily on funding global scientific research to prevent and cure the disease. Donate online through the BCRF Donation Portal.
- The Pink Fund: Provides direct financial aid to patients actively undergoing treatment to cover basic living expenses, helping prevent housing eviction and utility shut-offs. Contribute via The Pink Fund Get Involved Page.
- Susan G. Komen: Allocates a large portion of its funding to research, patient navigation, and advocacy. You can donate directly at the Susan G. Komen Donation Page.
Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Home in Payson, Utah and Benjamin Funeral Service in Nowata, Oklahoma.
To view tribute video in full screen, click here.
4 Condolences for Virginia Elizabeth (Marrs) Temple
Condolences(4)
Betsy Davies says
July 20, 2026 at 3:17 pmVirginia was a truly remarkable woman, and I feel incredibly grateful to have had the privilege of knowing her. Her kindness, warmth, and love for those around her were evident in every interaction.
Diane, thank you for sharing your amazing mom with so many of us. The bond you shared was something truly special and an inspiration to witness. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Virginia’s legacy of love will continue to live on through everyone whose lives she touched.
Jeanne F Erwin says
July 20, 2026 at 11:34 pmAunt Virginia, you are much loved and missed. I am grateful for your wisdom, inspiration and your values throughout your life for not just me but being there for my mom, your sisters Geneva and Aunt Madeline always. My heart and prayers are for your beautiful family. May The Lord provide comfort and healing and the peace that transcends understanding. May God bless you all. Jeanne Fucaloro Erwin and family.
Jeanne F Erwin says
July 20, 2026 at 11:35 pmAunt Virginia, you are much loved and missed. I am grateful for your wisdom, inspiration and your values throughout your life for not just me but being there for my mom, your sisters Geneva and Aunt Madeline always. My heart and prayers are for your beautiful family. May The Lord provide comfort and healing and the peace that transcends understanding. Jeanne Fucaloro Erwin and family.
Jeanne F Erwin says
July 20, 2026 at 11:36 pmAunt Virginia, you are much loved and missed. I am grateful for your wisdom, inspiration and your values throughout your life for not just me but being there for my mom, your sisters Geneva and Aunt Madeline always. My heart and prayers are for your beautiful family. May The Lord provide comfort and healing and the peace that transcends understanding. Jeanne Erwin and family.
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