Margaret A. Tedford

Margaret A. Tedford, 84, of Robinson, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 22, 2022, at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong. She was born on February 18, 1938, in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Kenneth & Delta (Spafford) Roller, and attended Decatur schools, graduating from Decatur High School in 1956.

She married Howard W. Tedford on April 6, 1957, who passed away on September 6, 2018. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Robert Roller, and her sister, Marilyn Mapleton. She is survived by two sons, Mark & Janet Tedford of Des Moines, IA, and Randy & Sandy Tedford of Robinson, IL; her grandchildren, Jennifer Tedford of Robinson, Derek & Jalyne Tedford of Robinson, IL, Brittany & Brent Dumdei of Harrisburg, SD, and Erika & Ryan Mertens of Altoona, IA; her great-grandchildren, Breanna Tedford of Jackson, MS, (formerly of Robinson who became a caregiver for Margaret in the nursing home as a CNA), Cora Tedford of Robinson, Carter, Rylan and Kenzley Dumdei of Harrisburg, SD, and Gavin and Easton Mertens of Altoona, IA; along with several step-grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother, William "Bill" & Edith Roller of Florida; one sister, Joyce Egelhof of Florida; one sister-in-law, Becky and Myron Helm of Oblong; and two brothers-in-law, Leo & Vicky Tedford of Palestine, IL and Ward & Sue Tedford of Oakfield, WI.

After marrying Howard, Margaret, who grew up in Decatur, moved to the floodwaters of the Wabash, settling down on the farm north of Palestine. This was short-lived, however, as this city girl persuaded her husband to move her to town after about ten years of country living! Though she picked strawberries for Pifer Farms for a couple of years, she would eventually go on to work for the Heath (Hershey) Candy Company, where she was a staple for 31 years before retiring on January 1, 2000. A lover of travel, Margaret was able to enjoy a couple of tour bus trips after she retired and was also known to take trips to Branson, MO, and the Florida Panhandle. Margaret had a particular fondness for Florida and, over the years, would visit her sisters in Fort Lauderdale on several occasions. For their 40th anniversary, she and Howard took a train trip all the way to California to visit her brother, Robert, and this was a particularly memorable experience that was filled to the brim with memories!

At a young age, Margaret accepted the Lord as her Savior and was baptized. Throughout her life, she was always willing to serve her Heavenly Father in whatever way she could, though she had a particular interest in missions. She also served her Lord through music. In addition to playing the piano, she made a joyful noise with the accordion and also sang for many years. Margaret was a member of Highland Church of Christ until going into the nursing home.

Her family is thankful for the Godly witness of their matriarch, who did everything she could to ensure her children would know and serve the Lord. The faith she instilled in them is the most precious gift they could ever have been given and will sustain them until, by the grace of God, we all meet again!

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Shane Bopp officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by visiting www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that contributions be made to the "Highland Church of Christ Building Fund", with envelopes available at the funeral home.