Margaret Ann Mcminn

Margaret Ann McMinn, 86, of Rigby, passed away peacefully Friday, May 4, 2012, at the Homestead Assisted Living Center in Rigby. She was born August 19, 1925, in Auburn, Nebraska to Hugh Burgess and Sara Elizabeth Sim Burges. She was raised and attended school in Julian, Nebraska in a one-room schoolhouse; she loved growing up in Julian with her brothers and sisters. She continued her education at Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska; Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and finished at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. She earned her degree in Elementary Education and was part of the very first graduating class from Ricks College. Her mother had always talked about the beautiful mountains out west and Margaret wanted to see them for herself. She loved her life here in the west. She married Leo A. McMinn, and later divorced. She continued living in Egin and taught in the South Fremont School District for 33 years. There wasn’t anywhere she could go that she didn’t have a past student coming up to her to thank her for how she positively affected their lives. She expected her students to work hard, but she also taught them how to play hard when their work was done. After retiring in 1988, she moved in with her son, Hugh, to Idaho Falls and then to Ucon, where they built a beautiful home. She then moved to Rigby in 2003 to be near to her granddaughter, Lexi and her family. She enjoyed the opportunity to be near her great-grandchildren and watching them as they grew. She also loved participating in the activities of living on a farm again and would frequently “supervise” all jobs to completion. Upon moving to Homestead Assisted Living, she became the life of the party at her new home. She loved playing cards and going to concerts and plays with the other residents. She loved to dance and was always laughing. It was often said that she was a brilliant, wonderful lady with a lot of talent and love to share. Margaret was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed the association she shared with her friends. She also loved going to the Senior Citizens Center every Wednesday to play cards. She never met a stranger. Margaret’s life has been filled with many friends young and old alike. She has influenced many and those who loved her best are better for having her in their lives. She is survived by her daughter; JoAnn (Keith) Lewis, of Rigby, sons; Leonard “Hugh” McMinn, of Ucon, Gregory “Tim” McMinn, of Inkom, Sister; Gretchen Tilden, of Frisco, Colorado. Brother; John Burgess, of Julian, Nebraska. Grandchildren; Debi (John) Waddell, of St. Anthony, Lexi (Robert) Ellis, Dana (David) Miller, Heath (Diana) Lewis, Jared (Lacey) Lewis, Joell (Trevor) Hill, Amy (Daniel) Arnold, Jacquel (Benjamin) Searcy, all of Rigby, Joshua (Michelle) Lewis, of Idaho Falls, Jennifer McMinn of Pocatello, 25 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters; Louise Quinn, Barbara Jean Gulley, and brothers; Hugh “Sonny” Burgess and Edgar Kemper “EK” Burgess. Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 12, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at the Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby, Idaho. The family will visit with friends from 9:30 until the time of service. Interment will be at the Wyuka Cemetery, Nebraska City, Nebraska, where she will be laid to rest with her loving parents. A special thanks to the amazing staff at Homestead Assisted Living, her nurses and nurses’ aides; Janel Campbell, Dr. Bryan Hammar, and Dr. Carol Anderson. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Humane Society in honor of her many pets and friends; her cats.