Margie Stuth

God welcomed His child, Margie (Sanders) Stuth, to her eternal home Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Visitation will be held 2:00 - 4:00 P.M., Sunday, April 2, 2017 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home. There will also be a visitation from 1:00 - 2:00 P.M. on Monday, April 3, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, 375 W. 6th Street, Crawford, Texas. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service officiated by Rev. Robyn Young will follow at 2:00 P.M.

Born in a farmhouse west of Crawford on January 8, 1930, Margie was one of six children of Lorence and Henrietta (Fehler) Sanders. Margie worked with her family on the farm, raising beef cattle, cotton, and other crops. The family farm was surrounded by other descendants of Henry and J.F. Fehler. The Fehler families worked together to plant, tend, and harvest their crops. On Saturday nights, the Fehler clan would gather to eat dinner and enjoy homemade ice cream. Family was of highest importance growing up and throughout Margie's life.

Margie was baptized as an infant on February 23, 1930 at Peace Lutheran Church in rural Crawford. At the age of fourteen, she gave her heart to Jesus Christ and was confirmed on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1944. Margie remained a member of Peace Lutheran Church until she began dating her future husband.

On September 9, 1950, Margie married Robert Stuth, the absolute love of her life, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Margie and Robert lived in Crawford and worked together as a team for 47 years until Robert's death. They did everything as husband and wife and enjoyed each day together. On March 18, 1954, a daughter, Pamela Dianne, was born. In 1958, Margie and Robert designed and built their own home with the help of Robert's dad, Ed Stuth. On October 10, 1963 a son, Robert Deryl, was welcomed into the family. Margie and Robert continued to farm and ranch their land northwest of Crawford. As a team, Robert and Margie painted and wallpapered many homes in the Central Texas area. On September 11, 1976 Pamela married Joe Paul Cook. He became a second son to Robert and Margie and was deeply loved.

For several years, Margie worked as a cashier at Amsler's grocery store in Crawford. She loved people, and this job gave her a perfect opportunity to see everyone in the Crawford community and share the word of God with them. Much to Margie's sorrow, she was forced to retire when the store closed. Margie was a wonderful wife, mother, and friend. She sewed all of Pam's clothes. She even made Pam's wedding dress by copying one from a picture. Margie took part in all school activities and served as room mother for both Pam and Deryl. She never missed a PTA meeting and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Margie and Deryl had a special bond between a mother and a son. They worked tirelessly together.

One of the greatest joys of Margie and Robert's life was the birth of their grandson, Kirsten Abram. Margie ("Little Mama") and Robert ("Big Daddy") were always available to babysit. They enjoyed each day that Kirsten would join them at their home. Christmas and Spring Break were greatly anticipated times for them. They loved attending Kirsten's school programs and t-ball games. Margie was in attendance when her "pride and joy" graduated with his PhD from Texas A&M University. She was excited, but not thrilled, when he accepted his first job far away home at the University of Arizona in Tucson. She was thankful when he later moved to Texas Tech in Lubbock. Two days after her cancer diagnosis, Margie was thrilled to hear that Kirsten had been awarded tenure.

Margie was an active member of First United Methodist church of Crawford for many years. She loved her church family. She taught Vacation Bible School, served on many church committees, and was a long-time member of the Church Board. Margie was affectionately known to many as the "Pie Lady". Rarely did she make an appearance without taking a pie or cake with her. She must have made a million chocolate sheet cakes as well as lemon, coconut, and chocolate cream pies. Helping others was Margie's greatest talent. If anyone needed help in any way, Margie was there with food, a kind word, and a smile. Margie was a dedicated servant of our Lord. Her church always came first, and she rarely missed greeting her fellow church members with a hug and a bulletin each Sunday morning.

Margie loved being outdoors. She enjoyed planting flowers and mowing her yard. Margie mowed her entire yard with a push mower until she was 86 years young. She eagerly anticipated the spring of 2017 but was injured in a car accident on February 9, 2017. That night in the ER, she was diagnosed with cancer.

Margie was preceded in death by her wonderful husband, Robert Stuth (May 1997); her devoted son, Robert Deryl Stuth (April 2010); her father and mother, Lorence and Henrietta (Fehler) Sanders; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ed and Esther (Mattlage) Stuth; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Irene (Miller) Sanders; sister and brother-in-law, Nora (Sanders) and Paul Crawford; brother, Buster Sanders; two baby sisters; and a nephew, Don Sanders.

Margie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Joe Cook of Lorena; grandson, Kirsten Cook of Lubbock; sister-in-law, Betty Sanders of Temple; as well as nephews and their wives, Stanley and Patti Sanders, Randy and Ann Sanders, and Ricky Sanders; several cousins; and countless friends.

Pallbearers will be Berry Raley, Dave Holmes, David Cunningham, Tim Anderson, Dusty Lynch, and Gary Walker.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Richard Spitzer, Dr. Justin Squyres, Dr. Richard Scott, Dr. Tara Bennett, Dr. Nick Schwedock, Dr. Jeff and Pastor Rebecca Hull, First United Methodist Church Ding-A-Lings, and Margie's domino buddies.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest ER, Hospital 2nd floor, and Rehab. A Special thank you to ALL Providence Hospice nurses, chaplains, staff, and everyone at Providence Hospice Place. Margie appreciated the love and care each of you showed her.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 209, Crawford, Texas, The Ding-A-Lings (Bell Choir) First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 209, Crawford, Texas and Providence Hospice, 6700 Sanger Avenue, Waco, Texas 76710.

Celebration of Life

2:00 PM ,Monday, April 3, 2017
First United Methodist Church of Crawford
375 W. 6th St. Crawford, TX 76638

Visitation

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ,Sunday, April 2, 2017
Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel
8220 Woodway Drive Waco, TX 76712

Visitation

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ,Monday, April 3, 2017
First United Methodist Church of Crawford
375 W. 6th St. Crawford, TX 76638