Margaret Louise (Gibson) Wade, 94, of Springfield, Colorado passed away peacefully on December 14, 2022.

Margaret was born December 27, 1927 to Fred and Mary (Penny) Gibson in Springfield, Colorado.  She joined her older brothers, Gene and Herb.  They were soon joined by Kenneth, Donald, Iris, Inez, Bob, Shirley, Charlene and several years later, Larry.

The family home was small so her dad dug a basement and the kids shared the dirt bedroom.  Money was scarce and times were hard but the family always managed to get by.  Margaret was not a dainty young girl and not always the protector of her younger siblings-they often were physically fighting one minute and hugging the next.  This would continue throughout their lives.  There are many stories about the Gibson kids and their fights even until the later years.  They were however protective of each other and it was common knowledge at the time that if you had trouble with one Gibson, you have trouble with them all.  Margaret and her sisters were just as tough as the boys and could always handle their own.

Margaret married the love of her life, Hallie Wade on September 15, 1950.  She became a second mom to Hallie's children, Roy Dale, Donald Leon, Sharon Kay and Linda Mae.  From this union Hal Eugene (Butch), Kenneth Lee and Ralph Lynn were born.

Hallie worked as a custom harvester and Margaret was behind the scenes cooking, cleaning and caring for the children.  Many years were spent traveling while their children were required to work the hours Hallie and Margaret worked.

Margaret was an amazing cook (after being taught by Hallie) and you could often find her in the kitchen baking up a storm.  She never had a recipe and must have never heard that baking is a science with exact measurements because she often didn't measure and almost always added a little coffee, right out of the mug she was drinking it from.

Hallie and Margaret found the Lord in the mid-1970s, giving up all their vices and becoming devout Christians.  They attend the Friends Church in Vilas and later the Trinity Church in Springfield.  They often loaded their local grandchildren into the motor home for the drive to Vilas Sunday mornings.

Margaret never learned to read music but could play the piano beautifully.  You might find her stopping mid-task to sit at the piano to play and sing a hymn.

Margaret and Hallie became the caretakers of the Springfield Cemetery in the 1990s and enjoyed caring for the grounds and assisting people.  The door was always open, the coffee was always hot and there were always cookies for those that stopped in.  They spent many hours and took great pride in the care they provided.

Margaret loved time with family, especially making spud nuts on Wednesdays for anyone that wanted to stop in for coffee and donuts.  You would find many of the Gibson family sitting on the front porch laughing and telling stories.  Those were some of her favorite moments.

Hallie's and Margaret's health declined over the years and they both entered the Long Term Care Center at Southeast Colorado Hospital in the early 2000s.  Hallie passed away on March 7, 2008.  Margaret's health continued to decline and she entered The Cottage where she spent her remaining years.  She loved the staff and will be remembered for her quick wit, laughter and hugs.

Margaret lived a full life in those 94 years.  She was so much more than the words on these pages.  She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend.  She was feisty and outspoken and loved with her whole heart.  Her door was always open to anyone in need of love and support.  She was a devout Christian that loved to share her passion with anyone that would listen.  She had an infectious laugh that will be missed by us all.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Mary Gibson, husband, Hallie Wade, siblings, Gene Gibson, Herb Gibson, Kenneth Gibson, Donald Gibson, Iris Taff, Ines Brisendine, Bob Gibson and Shirley Greenlee, children, Roy Wade, Donald Wade, Sharon Fowler, Linda Wade and Butch Wade, grandchildren, Joe bob Michaels, Justin Wade and Ricky Wade.

Those left to mourn her passing are sons Kenneth (Penny) Wade and Ralph (Karen) Wade, daughters-in-law, Sarah Holmes, Deborah Wade and Carey Wade, siblings, Charlene Shaw and Larry Gibson.  She also leaves behind her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to Southeast Colorado Hospital Long Term Care and Alzheimer's Unit and also to Springfield Cemetery