Marguerite Alice Gaarder

1921-2013 St. Joseph, Missouri. Marguerite Alice (Allison) Gaarder, 91, passed away Thursday, February 7, 2013, at her home at a local assisted-living facility. Marguerite was born June 11, 1921, on her family's farmstead near Olathe, Kansas. She was the youngest of five children born to Aaron and Alice Allison. On February 23, 1946, Marguerite married Gilbert William Gaarder of Blythedale, Mo. He preceded her in death on March 21, 1993. Out of their union of forty-seven years came seven children: Gilbert "Bill" William Jr. (Carol), both deceased; Patricia Ann, St. Paul, Minnesota; Stephen Thomas (Mary), Joplin, Missouri; Susan Kay (Jean Whisnant), Lakewood, Colorado; David Robert (Barbara O'Sullivan), Minneapolis, Minnesota; Nancy Jean (Robert Reincke) Omaha, Nebraska; and John Allison (Jeannette), Troy, Kansas; eight grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, a great-grandchild expected in May, and seven step-great-grandchildren. Marguerite is also survived by her sister, Pearl Thorp of Prairie Village, Kansas. Before moving to St. Joseph in 1967, the family lived in Shawnee-Mission, Kansas. Marguerite attended Emporia State Kansas Teachers College and taught in a one-room schoolhouse near Olathe. During World War II, she worked as an air traffic controller in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Later in life she worked at Central High School in the cafeteria. She also took pride in her work on a Buchanan County grand jury. Marguerite was devoted to her family and her faith. She was an active member of Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church, where she served on the church board and was active in numerous church groups, including the Guy Harden sunday school class and the Martha Fellowship. Her many interests included scouting, when her children were young, visiting with extended family and friends, and making gifts for others, including crocheted afghans. She showed her devotion to her family in many ways, frequently with a homemade treat or dessert. She was known for her friendliness and sense of humor. Marguerite is also preceded in death by a brother, Francis, and sisters, Lois and Ruth. Services: 11:00 A.M. Monday, Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church. Interment Olathe Memorial Cemetery, Olathe, Kansas. The family will receive friends 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Sunday, where friends may call after 4:00 P.M. Sunday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church or the charity of the donor's choice