Margaret M Wilber was born to Tell and Julia Wade on January 9, 1929 in Valentine, NE. She passed away
May 29 at Pine View Good Samaritan Center. Margaret attended rural schools in the Kewanee area and
then came to Valentine for High School. After graduating in 1947 she worked for Dr. Johnson.

Margaret met Hugh Wilber during their High School years. They were married on October 3, 1948. Two
daughters were born to them, Judy M. and Connie J.

After marrying, Margaret worked part time for Prang's Apparel Store, where Hugh was also employed. They
purchased the store in 1964 and they worked together to have a successful business.

Both Margaret and Hugh were proud supporters of their community. The Chamber of Commerce office was
operated out of their businesses until a permanent home was established in the 1990's. One of the
highlights of their Chamber work was a friendship struck up with a contingency from Japan they had
entertained in their home. After hosting the group on three occasions they were given a trip to Japan. A
member of the United Methodist Church, Margaret was honored for over 70 years of membership. She was
also an active member of the United Methodist Women. Along with Hugh, they sponsored the MYF for
many years. When the Church was without an organist for a few years, she refreshed her talent and played
for services. Margaret was a huge supporter of the arts, she and Hugh were Music Boosters for many
years and chaired the Coronation activities on numerous occasions. Margaret was one of the organizers for
the 19831984
celebrations of the Cherry County and Valentine Centennials. She traveled the entire county
collecting stories for the Sandhills Century Books as well as putting together parades, talent shows and
other entertainment.

The Wilber's received many awards for their involvement, including the Aksarben Good Neighbor Award and
the Heart City Heart Award, at least twice. Margaret was named Woman of the Year by Beta Sigma Phi
sorority. They seldom missed a sporting event, whether they had family members participating or not. Most
of the Volleyball and Basketball teams called her "Grandma Margaret".

Margaret was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for many years and sponsored students on trips of all kinds.
She was noted for her creative parties and loved to entertain.Many friends have memories of her wonderful
tea parties. Every business in town was honored with her cinnamon rolls. She was known in the area for
her divinity. She loved her garden.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers: Joe, Les (and wife Idella) and Howard
Wade (and wife Lois). Also preceding was her sister Shirley Ruth Frohman. Survivors include her husband
of 67 years, Hugh, and daughters Judy (Bill) Mulligan and Connie (Jerry) Rhoades. Six grandchildren:
Michele (John) Witt, Penny (Sean) Doherty, Shannon (Eric) Ravenscroft, Jodi Hanshew, Sean (Bryel)
Mulligan and Jill (Joel) Anderson. Eleven greatgrandchildren,
Bailey and Rhett Witt, Madeline Doherty,
Jaylynn, Tyler, Elle and Tucker Ravenscroft, Jacob and Jiles Hanshew, Isaac and Ashlyn Anderson. Also
surviving are sister Bernice (Dick) Lyons, sister-in-law
Irene Wade, brother-in-law Jim Frohman,
sister-in-law
Hope (Kenneth) Graeff and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral service for Margaret Wilber was held at 10:00 Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Valentine. Burial followed at Mount Hope Cemetery.