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 traveling 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 family 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, she 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 her lighthearted “Just a Dog” short stories for the Jacksonville Review.
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; granddaughter, Sarah.