Margaret A. Mathes passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2020.  She was born on March 25, 1925 in Harper, Kansas to Gilbert W. Wiley and Ellen I. (Galloway) Wiley.

Attending grade school and high school in Harper, Margaret played the piano, chorus, and played violin in the high school orchestra.  After graduation and before getting married, Margaret worked in the principal's office, for Dresser Agency during tax time, and for First National Bank.  Much later in life, she worked at Dauner's Clothing Store.

Margaret married Herbert Mathes on October 16, 1946 in Harper and they were married for 64 years.  To this union was born three children: Elizabeth, Cary, and Michelle.  Margaret was born on a Wednesday, got married on a Wednesday, and gave birth to all three children on a Wednesday.

Living close to Harper until 1951, Margaret and her family moved northwest of Harper.  Then in 1976, they built a new home northeast of Harper.  In June of 2016, Margaret moved into long-term care at the Harper Hospital.  And in April of 2019, she moved to the Anthony Community Care Center.  Margaret spent most of her years as a homemaker as well as a caregiver to her parents.

Preceding Margaret in death are her husband, Herbert on April 11, 2011; her parents; and a sister, Donna Faye Kessler.  She will be greatly missed by her three children: Elizabeth "Liz" Hibbard and husband, Vernon of Harper; Cary Mathes and wife, Kathy of Marshalltown, Iowa; and Michelle MacKay and husband, Carl of Choctaw, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren: Dana Hall and husband, Joe of Harper; Sara Ranfeld of Malcom, Iowa; Mack Hibbard of Harper; Chelsey Stultz and husband, Kevin of Lawrence, Kansas; Apryl Shulman and husband, Adam of Dallas, Texas; Alicia Uddin and husband, Amod of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Derek MacKay and wife, Jennie of Shawnee, Kansas; Ryan and Brett Lemker of Boulder, Colorado; twelve great-grandchildren: Ryan Hall and wife, Macaley of Harper; Matthew and Jordan Ranfeld of Malcom; Shelby Crocket and husband, Brenden of Lockwood, Missouri; Nolan and Wren Stultz of Lawrence; Hazel Shulman of Dallas; Logan MacKay, Aiden Uddin, and Elina Uddin of Tulsa; Dylan and Deacon MacKay of Shawnee; two great-great grandchildren, Sterling Hall of Harper and Luke Crockett of Lockwood; sister, Lois McCormick of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; other relatives and friends.

A private family burial will take place at the Harper City Cemetery.  A memorial service will take place at a later date.

Friends may view and register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Anthony Community Care Center or to Eastside Church of Christ, Harper and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas 67058 is assisting the family with arrangements and services.