Margaret L. Deckard

Margaret LaVerne Deckard, 88, of Portageville formerly of Butler County died Monday, Dec. 21, 2009 at Heritage Gardens of Portageville.

Mrs. Deckard was born Jan. 27, 1921 in Deering, Mo. She was of the Baptist faith, and was a homemaker. Mrs. Deckard enjoyed working in her yard, reading and crocheting.

On Oct. 22, 1969 she married Irvin Eldon Deckard in Alton, Ill. He preceded her in death on Jan. 24, 2008.

Survivors include 2 daughters: Carolyn Hale of Portageville and Phyllis Englehardt and husband Don of Caruthersville; 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Kathryn Burns of Portland, Oregon; and a brother, Emory Williams of Vail, Arizona.

Mrs. Deckard was also preceded in death by her parents, William Monroe and Carless Jane (Tidwell) Williams, son-in-law, Floyd Edward ""Buddy"" Hale, Jr., sisters, Ruby Sullivan and Evelyn Powell and brothers, Earl Williams, Alvie Williams, Lloyd Williams, Boyd Williams and Harry Alfred Williams.

Visitation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. A graveside service and burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Three Springs Cemetery in Butler County with the Rev. Jim Osborn officiating.

Family and friends may share an online condolence or memory at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.