Margaret Diane Shanks

With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, the family of Margaret Shanks shares that she entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 30, 2025. Margaret was the daughter of Hugh Eaton Hookway and Althea Joy Ballinger Hookway of Mount Vernon, Ohio. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Gary, and their children Erin, Andrew (Laura), and Abigail (Jonathan); as well as six grandchildren; Julienne, Evangeline, Ransom, Eden, Sophia, and William. She also is survived by her brother Hugh (Judy), and sister Judith, both of Alliance, Ohio.

Margaret was born in Louisville, Kentucky and grew up in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Music was an important part of Margaret’s life; a love of which she credits her parents with. She graduated college from Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio with a degree in Political Science. Throughout her adult life she was involved with many different aspects of teaching. While living in Panama, soon after she was married, she taught high school GED courses to US military personnel, and English to local Panamanians. She taught home school and later became a full-time teacher at New Covenant School. Margaret also taught French as part of an after-school program, children’s Sunday school class, summer Bible school, and adult community Bible study. She sang in the adult choir at church and with the Jefferson Choral Society. Margaret was also an avid reader, particularly enjoying reading history books and loved reading to her children and grandchildren.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend; and will be greatly missed. A celebration of her life will be held on Monday December 15, 2025, at 11:00 at Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church with a reception there to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Gentle Shepherd Hospice of Lynchburg, or the Alzheimer’s Association.