Margaret A. Reavis Brogley

Margaret A. Reavis Brogley, 97 of New Hampton, IA formerly of Fort Smith and Van Buren, passed away Thursday, December 6, 2012 in New Hampton. She was born August 29, 1915 in Fort Smith to the late Lorenzo and Forrester Croom Reavis. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Fort Smith. She was a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, earned her Master’s Degree at Texas Teacher’s College and worked towards a PHD. She was a Fulbright Scholar for Teaching in England from 1948 to 1949. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Ray Brogley Sr., a brother and a sister-in-law, Glynn and Meredith Reavis; a sister, Lucille Hassman and a nephew, Dean Hassman.

She loved gardening on her Bluff top acreage above the Arkansas River, received her Master Gardening Degree in her 90’s, was active in the Republican Party, and wrote numerous letters to the editor about her passion for education. She was a life-long resident of Fort Smith and Van Buren before moving to Iowa to be closer to her family due to her declining health.

Services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at Fentress Mortuary Chapel with burial to follow at the Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. Arrangements are under the direction of Fentress Mortuary of Fort Smith.

She is survived by three nieces: Mary Argeropoulos of Marquette, MI, Rebecca Splittstoesser of Houston, MN, and Shirley Neeley of Clovis, CA; six nephews: Gordon Hassman of Playa del Rey, CA, Raymond Hassman of Hudson, WI, Gene Hassman of Cedar Rapids, IA, John Hassman of Cedar Rapids, IA, Kevin Hassman of New Hampton, IA and Robert Reavis of Fremont, CA, her brother-in-law Paul Hassman of New Hampton, IA and cousin, Katherine Croom of Fort Smith. She is also survived, by her late husband, Ray’s grandchildren; Nancy Brogley Brown, of Dallas, TX, Elizabeth Brogley Pitcher, of Philadelphia, PA and Mary Brogley James, of Kingwood, TX.

Pallbearers will be her nephews.

Viewing will be one hour prior to service on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church 1400 Grand Avenue Fort Smith, AR 72901.