Margaret Ann Grimes

Margaret Ann Grimes, was born June 5th, 1937, to Otto and Ora Schmidt at their home in Higginsville, MO. She spent her childhood growing up in Higginsville and graduating from Lafayette County High School, 1955.

She dedicated her career to caring for others as a nurse. She began her studies at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg for 2 years and then continued her education and graduated from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in 1960. After graduation, she spent her working career with St. Luke’s Hospital.

While working at St. Luke’s, a friend set her up on a blind date and she met her future husband. Don and Margaret were married in July of 1962. For their honeymoon, they drove to Seattle, WA for the World’s Fair in their two-door, convertible Austin-Healey. The adventures only began there and continued for 60 years of marriage.

After her nursing career, Margaret was not finished caring for others. She tirelessly devoted her time to care of her parents, two aunts, mother-in-law, and two young sons. In what she thought was her retirement, she also answered the call to care for her grandsons providing part-time daycare prior to them attending preschool.

Margaret had a great affection for animals, especially her grand puppies. She also thoroughly enjoyed attending her grandson’s band concerts and sporting events. For relaxation, she enjoyed watching her favorite sports teams that included KU Basketball, Royals, and Chiefs.

Being an only child, Margaret treasured the time spent with family and friends and generally appreciating the little things in life. Every Christmas she would put fresh fruit in everyone’s Christmas stockings.  She wanted everyone to know the value of simple gifts, not just the monetary value of gifts. She used to say, “In my day, getting fresh fruit at the holidays was a big deal!”.

For many years, Margaret and Don enjoyed company vacations to worldwide locales, some with their sons and some on their own. Destinations included England, Spain, Italy, Bahamas, Hawaii, Mexico, Tahiti/Bora Bora, Alaska and many more. These were great sources of joy and memories that will last a lifetime.

Margaret and Don had a shared love for Ragtime music. Many summer weekends were spent at concerts in Muscatine, IA and Sedalia, MO with friends and fellow Scott Joplin lovers.

Margaret was involved in many church groups over decades at Old Mission United Methodist Church. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and served in the church nursery for many years.  She was especially proud of her work with Old Mission PEO women’s group (Philanthropic Educational Organization).

Margaret passed on November 27th, 2022 at St Luke’s South Hospital, at the age of 85. She is survived by husband Donald, sons Bradley and Mark (Marlys), and grandsons Ryan and Joshua.

A visitation will be held Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Dr. Shawnee, Kansas 66203, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm. Margaret will be laid to rest at Antioch Pioneer Cemetery, 75th and Antioch Rd., Merriam, Kansas following her service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Old Mission United Methodist Church, 5519 State Park Rd., Fairway, Kansas 66205 or online by clicking here . To the Salvation Army by clicking here . Or to the Great Plains SPCA, 5424 Antioch Dr., Merriam, Kansas 66202 or by clicking here .