Margaret Ellen (Ray) Worley passed away on June 25, 2021 at the age of 94. Margaret was born on Aug. 30, 1926 to Arthur and Fay (Simmons) Ray.
She grew up on the family farm helping her father with the outdoor work while her sister helped their mom with the indoor work. She graduated from Roseville, Ill., high school and studied at Western Illinois University after which she taught at a one-room school during WWII. Margaret married J.R. Worley on Sept. 1, 1946 after his return from service. They moved to Mt. Morris where they had two children, Jo and Chris, and Margaret became active in the Disciples of Christ Christian Church as the church organist and participated in the outreach ministries they provided. Margaret was also involved in the community participating in the community choir, inter-faith activities, 4-h leader, member of Mt. Morris Women’s Club and PEO. She took a job at Ridenour Insurance Agency when they needed interim help and ended up staying for 30+ years.
Margaret was an excellent baker, providing many decorated cakes for family and friends. She loved her roses although on time confused the poison container for the watering container, killing all her roses. She was also an excellent seamstress spending countless hours sewing clothing for her family, even suits and ties for her husband. She knitted sweaters, crocheted, cross-stitched, she did it all. Her apple dumplings were absolutely the best ever. But her greatest accomplishment was her dedication to her children, unwavering support for her husband and eventually her grandchildren. In retirement Margaret and her husband enjoyed travel and visiting family.
Margaret is survived by her daughters: Jo (Mike) Sanders and Chris (Steve) Stabile; 5 grandchildren: Nis Lovstad, James and Evan Sanders, Olivia (Steve) Schiller, and Jesse (Lauren) Stabile; 6 great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Hunter Lovstad, Jon and Christopher Schiller, and Jack and Ellie Stabile; 3 nephews: Larry, Jerry, and Tom Gearhart.
She is preceded in death by her parents: Arthur and Fay (Simmons) Ray; husband: J.R. Worley; and sister: Evelyn Gearhart.
A private family service will be held in Plainview Cemetery, Mt. Morris.
Memorials to PEO Chapter KP, in care of Sue Halloran, PO Box 314, Paris, IL 61944.
Many thanks to the staff at Family First, Oregon, where she resided for 14 years and received excellent care.
