Margaret Jane Stillwell, 102

Margaret Jane Stillwell passed away on Aug. 27, 2014, at the age of 102. She was born on Nov. 16, 1911, in Hobart, Okla., the fourth of five children of Clay Cash Stillwell and Annie Jane Wright Stillwell. She spent her first five decades of her life in Hobart, where she was an employee of Public Service of Oklahoma until she moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1962. In Dallas she was an employee of Southern Methodist University until she retired in 1976.

Margaret grew up in the First Presbyterian Church of Hobart, where she served as a deacon; in Dallas she was an active member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. A graduate of Hobart High School, Margaret was an avid reader who continued her education throughout her life. She traveled across the United States, to Central America, England, Scotland and - having taught herself to read and speak Italian - to Italy. In the 1990s a niece brought her to southern California, and in 2009 a nephew brought her to Hayden, Idaho.

Although frail in her last few years, her mind stayed strong and her sense of humor keen. On Friday, Nov. 18, 2011, The Coeur d'Alene Press published a short article and picture of Margaret taken on the occasion of her 100th birthday celebration. When asked by her family and friends to give a speech she said, "I have unintentionally lived to be 100 years old. I have no advice for anyone. My track record isn't that good." Then she asked for a small glass of scotch.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and three sisters. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren, and friends, all of whom remember her wit, humor, kindness, stories, and sense of adventure. The family extends great appreciation to all the staff at North Star Retirement, the NOSDA volunteers, and especially to Sandra Rolphe, who gave Margaret so much friendship, care and love since her arrival in Idaho.

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Margaret's online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.