Marda Rae Southwick

Marda Rae Southwick, age 76, passed away peacefully in her favorite chair at home on December 3, 2025.

Born on April 24, 1949, in Malta, Montana, to Ray and Donna (Grimsley) Holzhey, Marda grew up in Zortman and attended school in Zortman, Sun Prairie, and Malta. After graduating from Malta High School in 1967, she went on to attend Northern Montana College and Great Falls Commercial College.

In 1966, while in high school, Marda met the love of her life, Jay Southwick, and accepted his invitation to a dance at First Creek Hall. After a three-year romance, they were united at First Lutheran Church in Glasgow on July 21, 1969, a marriage of devotion and unwavering love, that lasted a lifetime.

Marda was a homemaker, a secretary for Justices of the Peace Carl Eaton and Gayle Stahl, and later worked at Anthony’s, Family Matters, Feigel Photo, and seasonally at Porter’s Greenhouse.

Marda was gifted and avid quilter, her quilts—each one crafted with care, creativity, and deep affection. Generous to her core, she shared her talents freely. She was a dedicated member of Malta Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. Marda was baptized and confirmed at Malta Lutheran Church in February of 1970, grounding her life in faith, gratitude, and service to others.

Whether sewing a quilt, helping a friend, or welcoming someone with her kind smile, she had a way of making people feel seen, loved, and supported. Marda will be remembered for her generosity, her talent with needle and thread, and the way she lifted others. Her greatest joy came from being a grandmother.

Marda is survived by her loving husband Jay, children Paul (Jasmine), Andrew (Michelle), and Heidi (Bo). Grandchildren Jordann Marie, Jordanne Rae, Darryl James, Christopher, Jaylee, Brett, Lauren, Tim, and Kaden; and great-grandchildren Jean, Jeffrey, Oliver E, Dewayne and Oliver A. Brother-in-law, Scott, Sisters-in-law Colleen, and Holly, and numerous special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Donna Holzhey; brother Don; niece Janice; nephew Von; and her dear friend Janet Walsh.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on December 7th at 7:00 p.m., with funeral services on December 8th at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Legacy Devers Eye Institute in Portland, through the Legacy Health Foundation:

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