Margaret Couch

Margaret Rose Couch, age 100, of Lamar, Missouri, died Monday, March 21, 2016 at Truman Healthcare Center.      On October 12, 1915 Margaret Rose Sheppard was the first of five daughters to be born to Hayden and Grace (Moore) Sheppard of Kenoma, Barton County, Missouri.  She would begin her lifelong calling in the nursing field 18 years later after graduating from Lamar High School in 1933.  She then graduated from the Wesley School of Nursing located in Wichita, Kansas in 1935.  Before coming back home to the Barton County area, she worked as a private nurse for the George family of Wichita for several years.        Upon her return, the next adventure in her life would take place.  On August 4th, 1940, Margaret would be united in marriage with her childhood friend and sweetheart, Leon Chester Couch, son of Richard and Goldie (McCoy) Couch.  They were married in Kenoma, where both the Sheppard and the Couch family resided.  As many young married couples experienced during this time, Leon would be called overseas during WWII to serve with the armed forces in Saipan.  On March 7th, 1945, they welcomed their first child, Robert Leon Couch into the world.  Four years later, on June 18th, 1949, they were blessed with a daughter, Beth Ann Couch.         Over the next few decades, both Margaret and Leon would become integral members of the Barton County community.  Leon would be promoted to the principal of Lamar High School and serve in that position for 27 years until his death in 1969.  Margaret would join the PEO Sisterhood and women’s educational organization in 1958 and remain an active member for over 50 years.  She would be promoted to Director of Nursing at the Chastain’s Nursing Home facility (currently Truman Healthcare) for over 15 years.  Leon and Margaret were also active members of the Lamar United Methodist Church; Margaret’s continual membership would come close to 70 years at the time of her death.         Margaret’s family legacy was celebrated last October upon her 100th birthday.  The legacy of love and faith that began in August of 1940 will be passed on for generations to come.  Surviving family members include her son, Bob and wife Marilyn Couch of Lamar and daughter Beth and husband Anthony Brisbin, also of Lamar.  Surviving grandchildren include Rob and Colleen Couch of Olathe, KS; Jenni Couch of Lamar; Drew Couch of Springfield, MO; Jon and Tisha Brisbin of Lamar, and Maggie and Josh Allen of Springfield, MO.   Surviving great‐grandchildren are Quinlan and Elise Couch of Olathe, KS; Blake Elam of Lamar, MO; Jack Brisbin currently stationed at the Naval Base in San Diego, CA; Benjamin, Daniel, Morgan and Hannah Brisbin of Lamar, MO, and Jesicah Allen of Springfield, MO.         Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leon Couch; parents Hayden and Grace Sheppard, and younger sisters, Mildred Mygatt, Gladys Kiloh, Betty Kentner and Alberta Hale.       Service will be 10:00 am Friday, March 25, 2016 at Lamar United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Lake Cemetery.      Contributions are suggested to Leon Couch Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Daniel Funeral Home.