Margaret F. Huntington

From decade to decade, Margaret Huntington witnessed many changes throughout her long life. Through the turmoil of war and beyond the hardships of the Great Depression, she lived with the changes of time which made her the special and well loved woman she was. A remarkable woman in the lives of those she touched, Margaret's sweet and caring nature enlightened everyone around her with loving kindness. Although she will be sadly missed, her memory lives on in many ways.

Margaret's story began in the year 1924 when Calvin Coolidge was the 30th President of the United States and at a time when industry was booming in the U.S. With the economy soaring, the Roaring Twenties brought excitement to the air within an ever changing culture. Set along the Missouri River in Jefferson City, Missouri, Roy and Minnie (Maze) Hartman were filled with excitement of their own when on December 21, 1924, they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Margaret into the heart.

The first of their three children, Margaret's father supported his wife and new bundle of joy working as a carpenter. Her mother was a homemaker, and remained at home with Margaret and in time, her younger siblings, Wayne and Patricia.

Margaret grew up attending the area schools and enjoyed a childhood typical for the times. With the onset of the Great Depression, the fun-loving days of the Roaring Twenties came to an abrupt halt. Times became a struggle during the hardships of the Great Depression, and from coast to coast ordinary families found it difficult to make ends meet. People discovered joy in the little things, and came to appreciate what they had, rather than what they didn't have, and Margaret's family was no exception. Even so, Margaret had the opportunity to attend high school in Jefferson City during the 1930s while many young people left their schooling behind to find work.

During her youth, Margaret filled her extra time enjoying roller skating, dancing and playing the piano for church and also working for the flower shop in Jefferson City making flower arrangements. Her life, however, changed forevermore while taking the bus to the local roller rink one day. While on the bus, she met a handsome young man named Paul Huntington who was on his way to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for military training. Paul was traveling from Vicksburg, Michigan where he was raised. Love at first sight, the two began a long distance romance. Upon Paul's honorable discharge from the service at the end of World War II, he returned to Margaret's awaiting arms. On April 3, 1946, they were happily married in her hometown of Jefferson City, Missouri.

For several years, Margaret and her husband moved off and on between Vicksburg, Michigan and Jefferson City, Missouri. Before long they were blessed with a family of their own with five children who brought them great joy. Patricia, Larry, James, Robert, and Steve added much to their lives. Their children came to know the main roads as well as all the back roads from Vicksburg to Jefferson City so well as they made numerous trips back and forth over the years. Eventually, Margaret and her family settled in Vicksburg which became their permanent home.

Cooking was one of Margaret's best talents. She was a very good cook, but her homemade pies were simply the best. When asked, she'd even make them for others. In her home, each of her children had the pleasure of deciding what they wanted for breakfast each morning. Even if it meant Margaret had to make five separate things, she did so with a happy heart. She was an attentive, loving and supportive mother who cherished each and every one of her children.

When she became a grandmother, Margaret was sure to attend all of her grandkids sporting events and activities. Among other things, she kept busy being active with the Eastern Star, and liked playing cards. Together she and Paul enjoyed the casinos and loved going to Las Vegas. When it came to music, Margaret like religious songs and the hymns of her youth. The colors pink and blue always made up most of her wardrobe, and were her favorite colors.

The years found Margaret failing when it came to remembering things and taking care of daily tasks. For the last few years of her life, Margaret suffered from Dementia, and eventually went to live in an area nursing home. Always loving and kind, a disease like Dementia couldn't rob Margaret from her sweet and caring demeanor. Even after being given a shot at the nursing home, Margaret would thank her nurse and show her gratitude. For these things and more, Margaret will be fondly remembered.

Margaret F. Huntington, of Vicksburg, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at the age of 88. She is survived by four children: Patricia (David) Benedict of Vicksburg, James Huntington of Vicksburg, Robert (Jodi) Huntington of MS, and Steve (Brenda) Huntington, also of Vicksburg; daughter-in-law, Mary Huntington of Marcellus; ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Margaret is also survived by her two siblings, Wayne (Alice) Hartman of MO and Patricia (Jan) Schenk of MO. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; son, Larry; daughter-in-law, Sharon Huntington, and a great-grandson.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 4, 2013 from 4-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The funeral service will be on Friday, April 5, 2013, 11:00 AM at the same location. Burial will be at the Vicksburg Cemetery. Please visit Margaret’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory and sign her guest book prior to arriving at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association and/or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.