Obituary

Margaret Joy Regier Rich

Obituary

Margaret Joy Regier Rich, 94, died on on Sunday (Feb. 5, 2012). She had been a resident of Kidron Bethel Village, North Newton, for 12 years.

Margaret was born in Freeman, S.D., on Oct. 2, 1917. Her parents were A.J. and Suzanne (Bargen) Regier. She married Dr. Eldon S. Rich on Aug. 25, 1938.

She moved to Newton as a child and spent most of her life in Kansas, including years in Lawrence, Kansas City, Goessel and Buhler, before returning to Newton in 1956.

A dedicated homemaker, Margaret was also an active community volunteer, serving her neighbors in the Bethel College Mennonite church, Bethel Hospital Auxiliary, Et Cetera Shop, the Newton public schools and the Bethel College board of directors. Margaret cherished many travel experiences and was passionate in her support of family, education and service to others.

Margaret’s survivors include five children and their spouses: Robert (Susan) Rich of Birmingham, Ala., Barbara (DuMont) Schmidt of Whitewater, William (Kathleen) Rich of Topeka, Mary (Robert) Jabara of Wichita and Carolyn (Timothy) Voth of Topeka; 14 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Margaret in death, in addition to her parents and husband, were her sisters, Frances Horan, Winifred Ewy, Donna Klaassen and Betty Wasser, and grandson, William Rich Voth.

A memorial service to celebrate her life is scheduled for Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Bethel College Mennonite Church, where she was a life-long member.

There will be a private family inurnment.

Memorials are suggested for Bethel College and Kidron Bethel Village.