The morning of the day she was born, Wednesday, December 31, 1947, dad was practicing touch-and-go landings at the local airfield. A very pregnant mom sat on a blanket near the runway. If labor began, the signal was for mom to spread a white blanket on the ground so dad would land the plane.  By 1949 the Russell's moved to southern California where dad would be working as a Steam Fitter at a refinery. They lived in a duplex in San Fernando (150 feet from the main railroad tracks, steam locomotives, 24/7 noisy).  When Margie was 2-3 moved to Canoga Park, to a small vineyard/chicken ranch on Roscoe Blvd. The landlord lived at the rear of the property, Margie called him Uncle Joe.

In the early 50s the family moved into a small house in Winnetka (near Reseda) in a walnut grove. Later they bought a house near Sherman Way, still sharing a bedroom with her (older, smarter) brother. Dad built a real nice 4x8 playhouse for Margie. The lady next door was a string-puppeteer which Margie found fascinating. Dad later (after Margie hit Bob with a toy hammer) converted the den into a master bedroom, Margie got her own bedroom (where she could play the "Mexican Hat Dance" on her record player any time she wanted without defending her musical tastes with a hammer).

In 1955 dad took a job with Southwest Gas in Las Vegas. After a few momths in a rent-house on Eastern Av, they moved into a two-story on Canosa Av, Marge's room was upstairs (mom had bad knees). They got a puppy, an Aussie which was a lifelong love of the Australlian Sheep Dog.  When Margie was old enough, she and mom jumped into Blue Birds & Campfire Girls with great gusto.  In 1960-61 dad was transferred to Northern Nevada, Bob, now married, remained in Las Vegas. After temporarily living in several towns (Winnemucca, etc) as the pipeline progressed through northern Nevada they settled in Fernley for a few years. Marge was a Fernley HS cheerleader, home coming queen, etc.., waitress at the WigWam (the youngest kids seem to get all the good stuff, says jealous older brother).  Later the family moved to Carson City, Jeanelle Dr when SWG built ther HQ near the railroad museum. Marge went away to college (I think it was Colorado), completely blew off the first semester. Then returning home, completed her RN at UNR (with highest honors).  Marge, seeing the advantages of Army Nurses, enlisted as a 2nd Lt, because of her college scores (according to mom were the highest EVER), she got her choice of field (OR) AND training (Ft Sam Houston AND duty station (SHAPE Hospital in Belgum). She was sworn in by Gov Mike O'Callahan. It was at SHAPE that she met Ian, who recognized immediately that she was going the special girl in his life.  Ian and Margaret dated for 8 months and were able to meet with parents on both sides of the family. Margaret's parents came to Belgium, and Margaret met Ian's on a trip to England.  They came to Carson City for their wedding. Much devious preparation to "fixing up" their car to leave the reception: British driver, friends in the police dept, many distractions, jacked rear wheels, Bob was best man... etc..  When Marge & Ian completed their military obligations, they settled in Carson City, Ian became a (dual) US citizen.

Margaret worked in numerous nursing positions in Northern, Nv. ( Nurses will relate to this: Margaret's shift at the hospital will finish at 11pm. Ian arrive to meet her at 11PM, but she doesn't get out until 2am. Ian spends a lot of time napping in hospital parking lots.)

Over the next 45 years, Margaret and Ian work as a team on many joint activities. The most dear to our hearts was the time with the "Hola Show" The youngsters were wonderful and a joy to us. They think we helped to enrich their lives, but the truth is they benefited ours a million times more. They have been so loyal to us since the show ended, and what a joy is has been to see them meet the challenges of life.  I was truly blessed to have a had a partner and friend for so many years. It's those precious memories that will help me make it through this sad and difficult time. Please take time to love and cherish those in your lives.

Margaret's funeral will be held 1:30 pm, Tuesday, December 4 at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Fernley
with military honors.  Family and friends are invited to sign her online guest book at www.FRFH.net

Arrangements are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911