Marie H. Toft; Piano Teacher, Active at Church

Marie Harvey Toft, a 30-year resident of Ventura known for her skillful piano playing, died Monday following a brief illness. She was 93.

Toft was born Sept. 13, 1903, in Charleston, W. Va. She was an accomplished pianist who taught children and adults, and shared her love of music at numerous churches in Southern California.

Toft played at the First Church of the Nazarene in Ventura for 25 years and was a member of the Rhythmaires, a musical group at the Ventura Marina Mobile Home Park. She was active in the senior ministries at her church and wrote a monthly newsletter.

She is survived by her husband, Peder; daughters Midge Haerterich and Vondea McQuillan, both of Ventura; son Fred Harvey of Inglewood, sister Emma Jane Hansen of Salem. Ore.; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the First Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Dan Hull officiating. A private burial will be held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene, 365 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura 93001.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.

Ventura County obituaries are published free of charge as a public service to readers. Obituaries are based on information provided by mortuaries.