Margie was born February 11, 1935, in Holly, Colorado, to Perry and Katherine Barnes.
The family moved to a dugout west of Ulysses when she was very young. These were very lean times. She recalled spending lots of times outdoors playing with lots of cats and her older brother Bill and younger siblings, Homer and Ava.
Margie met Loren Puyear on a blind double-date. They later married in Raton, New Mexico, on December 22, 1951, while he was on a two-day pass from the Air Force. Loren wore his Air Force uniform and she wore a pale blue suit purchased from Gray & Rosel.
Margie returned to Ulysses and graduated from Grant County Rural High School in the Spring of 1952. She then joined Loren in Denver at the Air Force Base at the young age of 17.
Loren and Margie moved to Johnson, Kansas, to farm after their first son, Jim, was born. Margie was a full time Mom. Later Kenneth and then a daughter, Lisa, joined the family. Margie had a full life, filled with family and friends and enjoyed helping out on the farm during harvest. She was also involved in Eastern Star, a Cub Scout leader and taught Sunday school at the Methodist church. She was known to be a proficient snipe hunter.
In 1979, Loren and Margie retired from farming and moved to Castle Rock, Colorado, with their daughter, Lisa. Margie became involved with Lisa’s Rainbow Girls, serving on the advisory board. She also volunteered with the Douglas County Task Force & Food Bank, serving many years on the board. Margie was also trained and court certified in Handwriting Analysis during this time.
Margie’s world revolved around her grandchildren and later great-grandchildren. She adored them, always taking time to make each of them feel special, loved and heard. She also had a soft spot in her heart for animals. Her pets included many dogs, a squirrel and her beloved parrot, Zulu. She nursed many injured birds back to health.
Margie passed away on October 20, 2020, in Lakin, Kansas. Graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 1 PM at the Stanton County Cemetery in Johnson. As per Margie’s wishes, she was cremated, finally achieving the smoking hot body she always dreamed of.
She was preceded in death by her Sister, Ava Mace.
Survivors include, Jim & Mary Beth Puyear (Hooker, OK), Kenneth Puyear (Johnson, KS), Gordon & Lisa Welch (Bartlesville, OK), nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Bill and Jo Barnes (Lawrence, KS), Homer and Carlotta Barnes (Ulysses, KS) & Donnie Mace (Cheney, KS) and beloved Parrot, Zulu (Ulysses, KS)
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a contribution to the Help & Hope Center, previously known as Douglas County Task Force, 1638 Park Street, Castle Rock, CO 80109, (303) 688-1114. Arrangements are in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
