Marjorie was born May 3, 1924, at home on a farm in rural Poweshiek County, Iowa, the daughter of Jay O. and Cora Metz Ryan. She was raised in the Grinnell area and was a 1941 graduate of Grinnell High School. After her education, she taught in a country school in Chester Township for several years. On October 11, 1947, Marjorie was united in marriage to Kenneth R. Halstead, in Grinnell, where the couple continued to make their home. She was employed for many years at Poweshiek County National Bank and later with the Manly Law Office. She was a member of the Grinnell United Methodist Church, several bridge clubs, and was a former Cub Scout den mother. Marjorie was very devoted to her family and was grateful for their love. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, flowers, particularly roses, and solving cross-word puzzles. She loved to bake her own bread and to share them with others and she took great pride in the artistry of making her own clothing. She held a passion for antiques and enjoyed going to flea markets and garage sales looking for antique jewelry, furniture, and dishes. Survivors include two sons, Kirk (Deb) Halstead of Grinnell and Rick (Lisa) Halstead of Carl Junction, Missouri; two sisters, Alta Buck and Wilma Lincoln, both of Grinnell; and six grandchildren, Jarren, Katie, Jenna, Ryan (Jessie), Michael (Jamie) and Nick Halstead. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2005; and three brothers, Harry, Warren, and Wayne Ryan. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Mayflower Community or the Grinnell United Methodist Church.