Born to David L. Evans, Sr. and Mary “Louise” (Cochran) Evans, Margaret spent her childhood in Columbus where her father was a banker and her grandparents lived nearby. She graduated from North High School in 1935 and from Ohio State in 1939 with a degree in social work and a life-long membership in her beloved Tri Delta Sorority. She was also an avid supporter of Ohio State’s football team, the Buckeyes, and returned to Columbus for many reunions.
World War II found Margaret working in Ohio to support the families of service men and women stationed overseas. As related by Margie, these families often found themselves stranded at the train depot after saying their farewells to their husbands and fathers. During this time she also met her future husband, Lee Stroup, when he returned from his tour with the Navy as an underwater demolitions expert in the South Pacific. They were married in Columbus in 1946 and spent their working years in Ohio until Lee retired from Ohio Bell and they moved to Florida in 1975. Their retirement dream was cut short when Lee died in 1977, shortly after they moved into their new condo where Margie remained until just before her death.
Margie then met her neighbor, travel partner, and dear friend Herb, with whom she enjoyed many cruises and trips abroad. Her mother, Louise, was also an important part of her life after Lee died. Louise joined Margie in Florida every winter and full-time for the last few of her 98 years. Margie and her younger brother, David, held weekly phone calls and enjoyed numerous visits with each other. When he died in 2004, her nephew David filled his dad’s shoes with lengthy phone conversations and Florida visits. Without grandchildren of her own, she dearly loved to hear about her nephew’s family and keeping up with all the news.
Until diagnosed with macular degeneration in her mid 80’s, Margie loved driving up the coast with her friend Zelma, spending holidays with her friend Dawn’s family, and playing golf and bridge with her numerous friends in New Port Richey. She was also a staunch Republican who loved to share her views on state and national issues.
She remained very active and independent until age 93, at which time her friends and neighbors Ed and Vickie became her valuable support system. Margie’s small family, who live in Alaska and Utah are forever grateful to them for all they did, including being there for her at the end. The day before she passed, Margie told Vickie, “I’ve had such a wonderful life….the best parents and childhood, my dear husband Lee and then Herb, great friends and family, and so many wonderful memories.”
Margie will be interned with her husband Lee in his hometown of Spencer, Ohio.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18