Margaret V. (Oldham) Staats

Margaret Virginia (Oldham) Staats of Ripley passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Ravenswood Care Center on October 25, 2012. She was born on July 8, 1909, and lived to be 103 years old. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Edna Oldham. She had one brother, the late James Oldham. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Russell E. Staats. They were the proud parents of three daughters: Lois Casto (late William) of Ripley, Jeanne Hunter (James) of Ripley, and Margaret "Peachie" Hall (Dr. William) of Harrisonburg, VA. Margaret is also survived by ten grandchildren who affectionately called her "Mammy": Russell Hunter (Nikki) of Ripley, Margaret Nester of Huntington, Luke Hunter (Mitsy) of Ripley, Rebecca Duke (Mike) of Clemons, SC, Dr. Bill Casto (Chana) of Crown City, OH, David Casto (Debbie) of Ripley, Mary Toler (Nelson) of Ripley, Laura Matheny (Kevin) of Ripley, Bill Hall (Jenny) of Portland, ME, and Joe Hall(Stephanie) of Padre Island, TX. In addition, Mammy had twenty-six great-grandchildren and thirteen great-great grandchildren. She was also honorary "Mammy" to Bob and Sandy Matthews. Throughout her long life, Margaret was committed to many personal and community projects. She was dedicated to improving the lives of others and never knew a stranger. No one who came to her door ever went away empty handed. Margaret was a life-long member of Epworth United Methodist Church. She was an active member for more than fifty years of the Rebekah Lodge of Ripley, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the CEOs, formerly the Jackson County Farm Women's Club. She was also a member of the Jackson County Historical Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Margaret also served many years as a member of the Jackson General Hospital Women's Auxiliary with more than 7,000 volunteer hours. Throughout her life, Margaret enjoyed many hobbies. She enjoyed quilting and genealogy, and loved making and giving ceramics. She and Russell were enthusiastic square dancers who traveled extensively with a large collection of colorful matching outfits and fun-loving friends. Margaret was an avid reader and an active supporter of the Jackson County Public Library. In 2009, on her 100th birthday, a library endowment fund was established in her name. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests contributions to the Margaret Staats Endowment Fund at the Jackson County Public Library. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 26th, at Waybright Funeral Home in Ripley. A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2012, at Waybright Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com Service: Saturday, October 27, 2012 11 am Waybright Funeral Home Visitation: Friday, October 26, 2012 5 to 7 pm Waybright Funeral Home