RER
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"Democracy & Freedom"
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Post by RER on Jul 5, 2009 8:31:51 GMT -5
A Friend Of Mine Since Our Childhoods and A Dedicated Christian and Top Member of This Columbus Historic Board I have known Margo since I was old enough to remember names. We, were residents in the early days near Cummins Engine Company's first plant at the end of Union Street. Then over 60 years later our paths met up on these Historical Boards, and then face to face at the first Columbus Historical Celebration. My wife and I have had the privilege of knowing the Margo of today and of yesterday. If you haven't met Margo then you have missed one of the nicest, kindness, unselfish, loving, Christian ladies we have ever had the privilege of knowing. She loves her children, her community and military members deeper than you can imagine. This honor being presented to her is a "crown of her life" achievements, struggles and victories. Margo, we love and respect your path of life and all you have given to your family, friends, community and your country.
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jul 5, 2009 9:06:35 GMT -5
A Friend Of Mine Since Our Childhoods and A Dedicated Christian and Top Member of This Columbus Historic Board I have known Margo since I was old enough to remember names. We, were residents in the early days near Cummmins Engine Company's first plant at the end of Union Street. Then over 60 years later our paths met up on these Historical Boards, and then face to face at the first Columbus Historical Celebration. My wife and I have had the privilege of knowing the Margo of today and of yesterday. If you haven't met Margo then you have missed one of the nicest, kindness, unselfish, loving, Christian ladies we have ever had the privilege of knowing. She loves her children, her community and military members deeper than you can imagine. This honor being presented to her is a "crown of her life" achievements, struggles and victories. Margo, we love and respect your path of life and all you have given to your family, friends, community and your country. I, too, go 'way far back' with Margo. Back to being a 'short part' of CHS class of 1955, since I moved to CA in 1952. These message boards account for my opportunity to know Margo, beyond our teen age years. There is literally not another person that I know that gives so willingly of herself----------Margo, you are such an outstanding example of what it means to be a Christian person................your love for others literally radiates from you and your continuing efforts. We LOVE you, and I send my congrats to you for a most deserving award. Only wish I was not 2000 miles away. Hugs, Nanc ;-)
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Jul 5, 2009 9:14:55 GMT -5
I feel it is a priviledge to know, work with and love Margo and I hope a lot of you will show up at the awards ceremony on Monday at The Ridge, time is 5:30. It should be a huge turnout to honor this fine lady!
Others have said most of what I feel so I won't repeat but if anyone deserves "honor" it is our Margo. Whether she feels up to it or not, each Wednesday she is at the Eastside Community Center, sorting, marking, packing and finally mailing out boxes to our military overseas. You have never seen such dedication to a cause. Of course, Margo is the reason we have "Hoosiers Helping Our Troops" and I just want to say she's doing a tremendous job. Thank you Margo from all of the people who know and love you! :-)
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docwendy
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 36
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Post by docwendy on Jul 5, 2009 9:47:53 GMT -5
I have come to know Margo through her posts on this board and through what Babs has shared with me since the get together last weekend. This sounds like a very well deserved honor for a much-loved lady! Congratulations, Margo! As the wife of an Army Reservist, your work is very much appreciated! Thanks for all you do.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Jul 5, 2009 12:33:46 GMT -5
To all of us who volunteer in this great community of Columbus, Margo has become a legendary character and an personal inspiration to me. I cross paths with her from many directions and am always delighted to see her. Please join us tomorrow (6 July 2009) to honor her.
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Jul 6, 2009 18:15:41 GMT -5
Just returned from the celebration and awards cermony to honor Margo at The Ridge and there had to be close to 200 people in attendance. A lot of dignitaries were there, including our Mayor Fred Armstrong, Representative Milo Smith and others sent people to represent them in the presentation of the awards.
I got pictures, which I have not downloaded yet from my camera, but will try to get to it by tomorrow at the latest. There was a beautiful spread of food (which I also got a couple pictures of) and Margo was a real trooper, as usual. Even with all the kudos and wonderful comments, she still found a way to acknowledge anyone who had helped her in any way and asked that anyone who had written a card, packed a package, donated time or money or helped her Hoosiers Helping Our Troops in any way, stand up to be recognized.
A Major in the USArmy sang God Bless the USA and the audience didn't want her to leave the stage. She was the finale to the ceremony except for Bob Pittman, who was MC, announcing Margo had a very few minutes because everyone was hungy ....to a huge laugh from the crowd....and what a finale it was.
I got pictures of some of the troops, Margo and just some of the crowd,plus, if they come out some of the proclamations as well. I will get someone to post the pictures for me as I'm not versed in this aspect of posting.
That's all for now; we left with a huge crowd milling about and stuffing their faces with all the goodies. The parking lot was so full, one lady told me that when she arrived shortly after 530 there were no parking places left.
What a day for Margo and oh incidentally the Mayor proclaimed today as Margo Hughey Day!!! Then she was presented with the certificate proclaiming her day by the Mayor.
List of awards presented to Margo today: Certificate of Congressional Recognition Presidential 2009 Service Award Presidential Lifetime Service Award Flags given to her by Milo Smith (Indiana State Flag), Capt Kent Anderson (Indiana flag that flew over Balad), US flag from Congressman Hill's representative and I also believe she was given another US flag by Evan Johnson. Someone remarked that they "hoped she liked flags" and we know she would love them! :-)
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RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
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Post by RER on Jul 6, 2009 18:36:24 GMT -5
Babs,
Sound like a fantastic awards ceremony to honor Margo for her dedication of our Armed Forces worldwide. I wish I could have been there, but I was thinking about the ceremony at 5:30 PM today. I am sure Margo was uplifted by the events with the state and local dignitaries being there for the presentation. That was very nice and respectful of Mayor Armstrong proclaiming it “The Margo Hughey Day” for Columbus.
Thanks, Babs for a great summary including the young Army Major that sang God Bless the USA! I will be happy to help you post whatever pictures you select.
RER
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Jul 6, 2009 22:01:32 GMT -5
I think she was absolutely overwhelmed by the turnout and all the different proclamations and USA and Indiana flags she was given. She even arrived in a limousine!
When she finally had a chance to speak she managed to thank everybody in the room and urged us all to find a need and try to help!
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nancs
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 948
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Post by nancs on Jul 6, 2009 22:34:48 GMT -5
Not only have I read the reports here about Margo and tonight's celebration-----------------I had a phone call from my cousin, Joey, to elaborate on this special event honoring 'our Margo.' Am anxious to see the photos. Congrats Margo, for a job well done. Nanc
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Jul 7, 2009 6:56:04 GMT -5
This was in the morning paper. Naturally the pictures didn't copy over (I now see RER has managed to get a couple of the newspaper's pictures posted. Thanks Bob.). I didn't think there were as many people there as Brian numbers but perhaps I was off, not him. It was a lovely ceremony and Margo did hold up quite well. She introduced her three daughters at the end when she was given the microphone, although from time to time she did speak up...even without a mike....telling the audience who so and so was in relation to her or her work. Babs **************************************************************************
Help from the heart
BY BRIAN BLAIR bblair@the republic.com
After being showered with a sea of superlatives for her extensive volunteerism, Margo Hughey finally allowed tears to glisten in her eyes when she thanked her family and her God.
“I wake up every morning and ask, ‘Lord, what can we do today?’” said Hughey.
For the past few years, the answer must have been, “How much free time can you give?”
The senior volunteer, known for her selfless outreach to Hoosier soldiers overseas, Eastside Community Center, First Baptist Church, Love Chapel and more, apparently never has been tempted to spend her day in pity — not even as she has struggled with cancer three times in recent years. Praise for a volunteer
In Eastside Community Center’s ceremony Monday to honor Margo Hughey, praise came in a range of letters, including one from President Barack Obama, who gave her the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award.
His note read in part, “Thank you for addressing the most pressing needs in your community and our country. … Your volunteer service demonstrates the kind of commitment to your community that moves America to its great promise.”
The 70-year-old Columbus resident was honored in a special ceremony Monday at The Ridge, just a few blocks from Eastside, before 350 friends and family members.
“I haven’t done this by myself,” said Hughey.
Yet, accolades were as plentiful as the candy she frequently has shipped to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Praise came in letters from President Barack Obama, who honored her with the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award; from Gov. Mitch Daniels, who presented her the Distinguished Hooiser Award; from Mayor Fred Armstrong, whose proclamation of Margo Hughey Day yesterday took nearly 10 minutes to read because of her lengthy list of accomplishments.
“You set a record,” said Armstrong, “for the number of whereases.”
Supporting the troops
Monday’s event featured members of the U.S. Army National Guard’s 76th Brigade, which received loads of care packages from Hughey and her friends while the troops served in Iraq. Some had never seen Hughey until the ceremony, where they offered hugs.
Capt. Kent Anderson was among those.
“Before today,” said Anderson, “when I heard the name Margo Hughey, I pictured a red, white and blue postal box in the mail,” said Anderson.
Two of Hughey’s brothers fought in World War II. A daughter served in the Air Force. Eighteen relatives are either active-duty soldiers or veterans.
And when it came to remembering troops in the mail, Hughey sent more than goodies, toiletries and such to thousands through an organization she helped launch called Hoosiers Helping Our Troops.
She and her niece April Anderson made national news in 2006 when they raised money to buy flame-retardant suits for a relative’s military unit serving in Iraq. At the time, individual explosive devices has severely burned some soldiers without such suits.
But Hughey’s heart and help stretched beyond safety.
Indiana Rep. Milo Smith, R-Columbus, said he noticed Hughey at nearly every major public function he attended soon after he took state office.
“At first, I thought she was after my job,” said Smith, eliciting laughter from the crowd. “But I always noticed she didn’t ask anything for herself.”
Usually, she asked if American flags that were flown over the state capitol could be shipped to Hoosier troops.
Army Sgt. Evan Johnson praised Hughey for also taking time to attend welcome-home gatherings for area soldiers, sometimes even soon after her cancer treatments.
“She has been a rock, a champion of every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine,” said Johnson.
(There were pictures at the end of this article but I've been told the Republic has blocked so they can't be copied, so this portion I have deleted from my post. Babs)
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Babs
HCI Forum Board Member
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Post by Babs on Jul 7, 2009 7:07:10 GMT -5
Margo made a comment at the end of the ceremony and she thanked her mother for teaching all her children that "when you see a need, try to find a way to fill that need". She said that was what we all should do.
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RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
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Post by RER on Jul 7, 2009 11:09:59 GMT -5
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RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
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Post by RER on Jul 7, 2009 12:24:01 GMT -5
“She has been a rock, a champion of every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine" "God Bless the USA" Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., Rick Scalf presents a flag to Margo Hughey during a presentation Monday at The Ridge honoring Hughey her years of service to her community and her country. Two pictures above were taken at the ceremony yesterday by The Republic Paper of Columbus. The below pictures were taken by Babs and her husband during the event. Inside the program Arrival of Margo at presentation Margo's Troops Many Friends & Family Major Lisa Kopczynski. She is at the far right of the picture, with another lady in tan behind her and then behind the two of them are three more military men in fatigues. Babs said: "A voice you would not believe." She sang God Bless the USA. During the song many tears rolled down the cheeks of many, many attendees. The Food Source of Information & Pictures: The two larger pictures at the top were in the wonderful Republic paper today. All the other pictures were contributed by Babs and some of her comments. The comments by the flag presentation were written in the local Columbus paper. “She has been a rock, a champion of every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine, said Army Sergeant Evan Johnson at the ceremony.
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Post by richard on Jul 7, 2009 21:25:46 GMT -5
The following are scans of the program for the Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony given for board member Margo Hughey, on July 6, 2009 at The Ridge in Columbus, Indiana. Page 2Page 3Scan Courtesy of Member Babs
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Margo CHS Class of 55
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Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind; it doesn't matter.
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Post by Margo CHS Class of 55 on Jul 13, 2009 21:19:00 GMT -5
Thank you,Thank you, Thank you !!!
What an awesome Event on Monday, July 6th, "Margo Hughey Day"! How can I ever express my gratitude for such a wonderful evening? It has taken me a while to recover from all the recognition and awards that night. When I look at other Columbus residents that are in this folder, I am awed to be in such special company. I had lots of family members from all over the US, there. Plus, many soldiers from the 76th Brigade, who are now back in the US from Iraq,and stationed at Camp Atterbury. Included in the evening's program were a lot of dignitaries from City, State, and Federal offices ! Priscilla Scalf and Lenore Hollowell from Eastside even had a WHITE LIMO waiting to take my family from the Hotel, to the location for the Event, and then back again to the Hotel ! I started crying with the first presentation, and then throughout the evening. My young friend Mackenzie Jackson, from Eastside Community Center sang the Star Spangled Banner Acapella!! Another dear friend from the 76th Brigade, Major Lisa Kopczynski ,sang a fantastic rendition of "God Bless The USA." Many in the audience were crying before the end of the song. I was very blessed to meet many of my "Care Box" recipients, and it was so great to put a face with a name!For me that was the highlight of the evening, along with Major Lisa's rendition of "God Bless the USA". I had sent boxes to Lisa,also,and she sent me pictures of the 76th while they were at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. She also sang at the Indy 500 this year. My dear Army friend, Sgt Evan Johnson also spoke on my behalf ! If you go in the Greeks,ask if Evan is there. He has been part of the reconstruction crew, and currently lives in Brown County. Be sure to express your thanks for his service to our country. There was such a large crowd of people there, and I was unable to express my gratitude to all of them. If I missed you I apologize. Hats off to Chef Pete Grdina who had 6 tables loaded down with food for all of my friends. With special recognition to Priscilla Scalf and Lenore Hollwell from Eastside who co-ordinated the event. I can't believe so many people were able to keep a secret for over a month! Thanks so much for those of you who took time to send me an email message or letter! Many were from our current contacts in Iraq, classmates, and this board's members. Priscilla Scalf printed all of them, and I have a daughter who will place them all in a scrapbook, along with all the cards I received by snail mail. Packed more boxes on Wed. and will hopefully get them in the mail yet this week, if my health allows me. I am so thankful I had a mother, Nellie McCalip, who instilled in her 4 daughters and two sons, Christian Values, honor and respect for all branches of the Military, and the desire to help those in need. With a grateful heart to all of my "adopted Military grandchildren", my awesome family, Pastor Dan and my wonderful church family at First Baptist ,friends, classmates,the core members of " Hoosiers Helping Our Troops", and the wonderful HCI committee members. Without all of you this outreach ministry to our troops would not be possible. We continue to pack boxes on Wed. mornings from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at Eastside. We invite you to join us, if you have any spare time. This is one project my God continues guide and bless. We currently have 4 chaplains we are sending boxes to, along with 10 other recipients. I urge all of you to look around for someone who has a special need, and then try to fill it. God will greatly bless you for it. Blessings as always, Margo Hughey
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RER
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"Democracy & Freedom"
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Post by RER on Mar 15, 2010 14:09:41 GMT -5
Margo HugheyColumbus Indiana Margo Hughey, 72, of Columbus, passed away peacefully at 2:45 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2010, at Silver Oaks Health Campus. A homemaker, Margo was a faithful member of First Baptist Church where she was a choir member and was involved with AWANA and VBS. She was a member of Bartholomew County Senior Center and a former member of Prairie Promenaders. Well known for her volunteer service to the Columbus community, Margo was the hot meal coordinator for Eastside Community Center, a former board member of Love Chapel and a volunteer for Volunteers in Medicine. She was very patriotic and founded Hoosiers Helping Our Troops. Margo received several awards for her volunteer work, including the Leadership Award from WRTV-6 on January 15, 2007, the Patriot Award on November 10, 2007, and the Presidential Life Time "Call to Service Award" and the Distinguished Hoosier Award, both on July 6, 2009. A celebration of life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church with Dr. Daniel Cash and the Rev. Jon Carlstrom officiating. Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street and from 10 a.m. until service time Thursday at the church. The family encourages you to wear red, white or blue casual attire to the services in memory of Margo. Burial will be at Daugherty Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church Foundation, Hospice of South Central Indiana or Love Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to Margo's family and a video tribute may be viewed at www.barkesweaverglick.com. Born in Columbus December 26, 1937, Mrs. Hughey was the daughter of Edwin Rex and Nellie Pearl Cox Turpin McCalip. She married William E. Hughey March 17, 1957. He preceded her in death September 15, 2000. Source: Received from a board member and it may be from the local paper today.
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Post by David Sechrest on Mar 15, 2010 15:24:24 GMT -5
I received a call at 6:10 this morning informing me of Margo's passing. It's been a sad day around here.
I wish I could make it Thursday, but I'll be up in Indy at the VA.
Blessings to her family...
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Mar 15, 2010 16:56:44 GMT -5
Today marks the passing of a very special lady-----Margo McCalip Hughey----------just take a 'read' of this thread and you quickly realize what an impact she has made in her lifetime---------and on so very many people.
Blessings and prayers to her family. And may she have served as a model for all of us, which would be a living tribute to her.
Nanc ;-)
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Post by richard on Mar 16, 2010 12:11:33 GMT -5
The following two articles appeared in today’s local newspaper, The Republic. This article is by Harry McCawley. Users of this Message Board will remember that Margo was a long time contributor to the history contained here within.
Hughey always ready with helping hand
Margo Hughey was a sweet soul — so kind that I occasionally thought she couldn’t possibly be for real.
Margo died early Monday morning after a long battle with cancer.
She was doing things for others even during the worst moments of her disease.
In fact, she did so many things for others that notions occasionally popped into my sometimes suspicious mind that there had to be ulterior motives behind her acts of kindness.
A lot of things that she did involved the men and women serving in the Armed Forces, especially those on duty in the war zones.
She’s probably best known in that vein for the organization she and some of her family and friends put together several years ago — Hoosiers Helping Our Troops.
It is one of many troop support groups that have sprung up around the country as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan progressed.
But this effort was far more than a bunch of people shipping cookies and care packages to men and women serving overseas.
In some respects, Margo and her group became an arm of the Pentagon, providing soldiers with items that could protect them from death and serious injury in combat situations.
Make no mistake, Margo and her group baked and shipped their share of cookies but the most important items in their care packages were fire-resistant items of clothing that could come in handy should the soldiers encounter an IED or some other explosive device.
She had her reasons.
A great-nephew, T. J. Anderson, had written his parents from the war zone that members of his unit needed the materials, items that were apparently not standard government issue.
The items were not cheap. Margo set out on fundraising efforts and collected enough to equip each member of T. J.’s unit.
That was only the beginning. Fearful that there were other soldiers with local ties in similar circumstances she organized more fund-raises and brought more equipment.
The project received the blessing of the Pentagon, and stories about Margo and her crew appeared in the national press.
Margo made an impact with Hoosiers Helping Our Troops, but that was only one side of her kindness.
It’s safe to say that she submitted more birthday and anniversary greetings to our Around Town column than any other.
She did it daily, said newsroom staffer Jane Peabody. At least 10 a week and often more”.
And then there were her Letters to the Editor. Margo was a town crier, in one respect, but all her news usually amounted to recognitions and praise for individuals and groups.
She was especially dedicated to helping people in need. For years, she was the hot meal coordinator for Eastside Community Center and also volunteered with Love Chapel and Volunteers in Medicine.
She had known for some time that the end was coming but she stayed active in trying to find others who could continue what she had been doing.
Like I said, she was a sweet soul.
Harry McCawley is Associate Editor of The Republic. He can be reached at harry@therepublic. com or 379-5620.
Volunteer Hughey dies of cancer
The Republic STAFF REPORTS
Longtime Columbus community volunteer Margo Hughey died early Monday after a long battle with cancer.
Though she was known for her work with everything from First Baptist Church to Eastside Community Center, she became best known in recent years for her help in founding Hoosiers Helping Our Troops.
Such work won her the respect of many, including President Barack Obama, who gave her the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award.
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RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
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Post by RER on Mar 16, 2010 12:46:36 GMT -5
Margo and all her family grew up together in early life on 5th Street, near the end of south Union Street. My family knew all of the family for many years. Then during 2008 I saw Margo the first time since 1950. It was at the Columbus Historical Annual Celebration. It was such a wonderful event, and complete meeting up with Margo, and having lunch with her and other history members. We shared old stories and it was the greatest time for my wife and I. Margo was the best person "inside and out" that anyone could meet. God has gained a wonderful and Christian lady. A supreme example of how we all should live our lives. Her many contributions to our Armed Forces and local people in need will always be remembered. She was very active on these Columbus Historical Boards for several years and contributed much. Margo will be missed. Margo & Mayor Fred
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