Marcia Holt Lythgoe, 64, of Montana City passed away Jan. 10, 2012, from complications due to pneumonia.

Marcia was born Sept. 1, 1947, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Jack Holt and Margaret Holt. She moved to Helena when she was very young and resided in Montana City at the time of her death.

After a wonderful childhood in Helena, she married the love of her life, Tom Lythgoe, on March 30, 1968. They were married for 43 years. She went to Brigham Young University, BYU Hawaii and graduated from Carroll College with an elementary and music education degree. She mentored hundreds of children and fellow teachers during her 38 years in the classroom.

Marcia loved music, teaching and spending time with her husband, kids, grandkids, friends and family.

Marcia was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as the church organist for 52 years, since the age of 12. She also volunteered her time as a youth counselor, Sunday school teacher, chorister and choir director. In addition, she served in various positions with the Helena Schools as a teacher, mentor and friend.

Marcia is survived by her spouse, Tom Lythgoe; and their three daughters, Stacy (Matt) Darrington of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Mikal (Trevor) Wilkerson of Idaho Falls and Kari (Russ) Holman of Montana City. Her surviving brother and sister are Jack (LeAnne) Holt of Bountiful, Utah, and Chris (Jim) Valentine of Idaho Falls. Her grandchildren include Meghan, Matthew, Steven, Craig and Michael Darrington; Taylor, TJ, Bryndon, Aimee, Jeri and Jaidyn Wilkerson; and Alec, Sam and Rylee Holman. She has 3 1/2 (one on the way) great-grand-children.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Holt; and father, Jack Holt.

Marcia’s life was dedicated to her husband, her children, her students, her grandchildren and her friends. She was THAT person who all aspire to be. If you look up service and love in the dictionary, you will find Marcia’s picture by the definition. She will be greatly missed.

Viewing will begin Friday morning, Jan. 13, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with the family receiving friends between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m. The family will also receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, with funeral services to be at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1610 E. Sixth Ave. Interment and dedication of the grave will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Helena Independent Record, January 12, 2012