Margaret Gebhardt, age 99, passed away peacefully at Glasgow Gardens on December 4, 2022.

Margaret Mae Gebhardt was born October 19th, 1923 in rural Chariton County, MO.  She was the first-born child of the late George Chapman Hackley, Sr and Wilhelmina “Minnie” (Imgarten) Hackley

As a young lady she worked at the telephone switchboard in Forest Green.  It was while she was working that she met Orviel Gebhardt, who was home on leave from the US Navy.  On July 8th, 1944 she and Orviel were married at the Salem Lutheran parsonage.  Orviel was stationed at the time in California, and she went with him to stay until he was sent out to sea.  She then traveled by train home to await his return. While in California, she was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith.  After he was discharged from the Navy, they lived in Lexington and Carrolton before purchasing their farm near Armstrong.  Together, Margaret and Orviel enjoyed over 58 years of marriage.  They had two children, Larry and Carolyn.  She was a faithful wife who loved her husband and worked alongside of him on the farm.

Margaret is survived by her son Larry (Marcy) Gebhardt of Moscow Mills, MO and daughter Carolyn (Ronald) McNeall of Keytesville, MO; five grandchildren: Brian Gebhardt, Leland Gebhardt, Travis McNeall, Kelly Kennedy and Ashley Cruse; and 11 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by one brother, Wilbur Hackley of Armstrong, MO.  In addition to her husband and parents, Margaret was preceded in death by a brother George Hackley, Jr.

Funeral for Mrs. Gebhardt will be 11 AM, Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Salem Lutheran Church in Forest Green, MO with Pastor Noah Burgdorf officiating.  Visitation will be an hour before the service starting at 10 AM at the church.  Interment will be held at Salem Lutheran Cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Salem Lutheran Cemetery c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 112 Market St., Glasgow, MO 65254.