MARGARET FERN FLETCHALL

Margaret Fern Fletchall passed away at the age of 104, on December 21, 2017, at the Mount Ayr Health Care Center in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Margaret was born on October 31, 1913, in Ringgold County, to Walter and Luella Harden. When she was six years old, her six year old cousin, Ilene Hutchinson, came to live with her. She and Ilene were raised as sisters and often dressed like twins. They were the best of friends and where you found one, you found the other. Margaret loved to tell the stories of some of the mischievous things that used to do as kids. They married within six months of each other and even celebrated their 50th wedding anniversaries together. They remained very close until the time of Ilene’s death in 1993.
On December 20, 1934, Margaret married the love of her life, Lee Fletchall. They enjoyed Big Band music and trips to dances at the Val Air Ballroom with many of their friends and family. Margaret and Lee shared 69 loving years together. To this union, two daughters were born; Phyllis Ann and Connie Lee.
In addition to being a farm wife, Margaret took a job working at the Ringgold County Hospital in 1951, where she worked for the next 27 years.
She enjoyed many things including gardening, traveling, music, and dancing. She loved the Iowa State Fair and attended every year for many years. She also loved her monthly shopping trips to Des Moines on the trolley. But, above all, she enjoyed her family. She loved doing things like taking the grandkids fishing and cooking big meals for family get togethers. She remained active well into her 90’s and was often seen several blocks from home, taking that daily walk. She had many friends and will long be remembered for her kindness and generosity. Margaret was a member of the United Methodist Church.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 69 years, Lee; “sister” Ilene Hutchinson; daughter Phyllis and son-in-law Hank Smith.
Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Connie (Jim) Worthington of Des Moines; granddaughters Terrie (Matt) Fentermann of Waukee and Trudy (Scott) Taylor of Ames; grandsons Randy (Connie) Smith of Urbandale, Doug (Tammi) Worthington of Indianola, and Greg (Michelle) of Des Moines; 17 great grandchildren; 32 great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Services were held Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Pastor Bill Armstrong officiated the service.
Songs played were: “In The Garden”, :How Great Thou Art”, and “Sentimental Journey”.
Casket bearers were: Doug Worthington, Greg Worthington, Randy Smith, Matt Fenstermann, Scott Taylor, and Chadd Smith.
She was laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Memorials are to HCI Care Services in Mount Ayr, Iowa.