Margaret Ann Davis Athey

Margaret Ann Davis Athey, age 87, passed away on October 2, 2024, in Loveland, CO. She was born on November 22, 1936, to Otto and Mabel Davis. Margaret was the valedictorian of her class at Moss Point High School and continued her education at Graceland College and Indiana University for undergraduate work, and later UMKC for her Masters degree in music education. She dedicated her career to educating young minds as a public school music teacher, specializing in developing engaging music programs and scholarship funds for budding musicians at UMKC Conservatory of Music – as well as directing countless local, regional and state children's choirs.

Margaret was a cornerstone in her community, actively participating in various church, school, and community organizations. Her devotion extended to the Community of Christ Church, Mission Road Congregation, where she was a cherished member and contributed to directing both children's and adult choirs, and also establishing the hand bell & chime choir.

Margaret and Charles met at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa in 1956. They married August 28, 1957 in Escatawpa, Mississippi. They lived the majority of their years in Overland Park, Kansas. All the while teaching, parenting, gardening and being a good neighbor to all. In May of 2024, together they moved to Loveland, Colorado to have extra support.

Margaret's hobbies included writing resource texts for primary music educators, needlepoint, cross-stitching, cooking, gardening, and traveling. These activities reflected her meticulous, creative nature, her ability to foster warmth, inclusivity, and an unending desire to keep learning.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Mabel Davis; her brother, Larry Davis; her twin sister, Mary Jo Davis Hallberg; and her sister, Jean Carol Davis David. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Charles R. Athey of Loveland, CO; daughter Karen Athey Geoghegan and husband, Woody of Berthoud, CO; two sons Phillip Athey and wife, Valerie of Lake Jackson, TX; and Brad Athey of Lenexa, KS; 8 grandchildren, Patrick Geoghegan and wife, Kori Holliday, Mitchell Athey and wife, Leiah, Molly Geoghegan, Jillian Athey and husband, Skyler Pierce, Leo Geoghegan and wife, Christen Neugebauer, Sam Athey, Luke Athey, and Chandri Athey; and three great-grandchildren, Ellie Athey, Kya and Lenny Geoghegan and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Margaret's legacy of love, education, and community service will forever resonate with those who were fortunate to know her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the UMKC Conservatory of music. Visit this website: go.umkc.edu/give and type in the name Women's Committee / Margaret and Charles Athey Scholarship into the designation box (the box below the Gift Amount Box) and complete information requested. Or you could send a check, payable to the Women’s Committee/Margaret and Charles Athey Scholarship and mail your donation to: Marylou Turner, Scholarship Funding Chairman,645 W. 69th Street, Kansas City, MO 64113.

A memorial service will be held at the Community of Christ Church, Mission Road Congregation, 79th and Mission Road in Prairie Village, KS, on Saturday, November 16th at 11:00 am.