Margaret Irene Spare was born on December 24, 1927, to Minnie Celesta (Ruth) and William Christian Ploeger. Margaret was a lifelong resident of Brown County Kansas. She married her high school sweetheart Kenneth Earl Spare. Kenny and Marty were partners in farming. After moving to Padonia, Kansas they joyously became parents and raised their family. Margaret died in the company of loved ones on February 12, 2023, having reached the notable age of ninety-five.

Margaret- passing was preceded by her parents Celesta and William Ploeger, her aunt Hannah Ruth, her daughter Becky, her three sisters (Ruby Nolte, Ruth Carr, and Ida Mae Hooper), grandson Steven Gaston, her husband Kenneth Earl Spare, and her son Stephen M. Spare.

As a teen she worked at Bierer- Clothing store. She worked as an elevator operator. Sadly, she did not get to wear the cute hat and uniform often seen in movies. She did, however, get to work in the Women- Hats department, as well as the Shoe, Men- Clothing, Women- Ready to Wear, and Material Departments. In addition to assisting her mother and our dear Aunt Hannah in the house, she assisted her father whenever and however needed with the farm and livestock. Momma did it all! And still she graduated valedictorian of her high school and member of the Honor Society.

Margaret was the first recipient of the Middlebrook Scholarship Hiawatha Kansas. After she attended Kansas University, for one semester, she was asked to teach business classes at Fairview High School. She then worked seven years as law secretary for the Finley / Miller Law Firm. But if you were ever to ask which was her favorite job her immediate answer was her job working side by side with her beloved husband and partner.

Margaret Spare- 95 years were filled with love of family. Margaret had a beautiful soprano voice. She was an active member of the Falls City Music Club and both she and dad sang in the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir. Her children remember that on rare occasions she convinced dad to sing a duet at Reserve United Methodist Church.

Her favorite occasions were when her entire family was together along with sundry friends and family who happened by. Regardless of the number, no one ever left hungry. She was a phenomenal record-keeper, flower and vegetable gardener, farmer, and favorite aunt who was famous for her cookies, candies, cakes, and treats. Yet above all those significant skills she was the best at never falling short of hugs and kisses for both young and old. She will be sorely missed by all who were touched by her.

She is survived by her children: Kenneth Spare (Diana), Keith Spare (Gerardo Marquez), Kathy Spare (Mary Currans), Cathy Ann Spare (Stephen Spare- wife): grand children Margaret Spare (Donald Ledford), Lucy Spare, Belinda Estes (Jason), Michelle Kieffer (Nicholas), Scott Spare (Kristin Clark), and great grandchildren Sarah White, Samuel Estes, Jacob Estes; MaKenzie Kieffer, Trevor Kieffer, and Adalida Spare. In addition to nieces and nephews, Margaret is survived by her dearest life-long friend since their childhood, Mildred Appleoff.

A Celebration of Margaret- Eternal Life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 20, at First United Methodist Church, Hiawatha. Reverend Kay Scarbrough will officiate. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery, at Padonia.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, and after 12 noon Sunday at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, where the family will receive friends from 5 until 7 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Margaret Spare Memorial Fund sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message or note of remembrance may be to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com