Margaret Elaine Peterson

Margaret was born July 29, 1921 on a farm near Fall River Kansas that her grandfather Robert Hill Morton homesteaded after he served in the civil war. The family moved into Fall River before Margaret started the first grade. Later the family moved to the farm and then on to Severy Kansas in 1929. Her father Author Morton opened an implement business the year after the great depression. Times were hard. Farmers often paid their bills with garden produce, meat, butter eggs, garden plowing or fire wood. Margaret often mentioned that when she was nine years old her winter coat was a red sweater. Margaret and her three brothers, Robert, Harold, and Edwin enjoyed games together around the wood stove, made bird houses, and kites with their mother Bonney. The Morton’s lived across the street from the Methodist Church in Severy. So they were in attendance every time the doors were open. During her later years in High school Margaret played the piano for Sunday school, church and MYF. She also accompanied the Severy High School Orchestra and vocal choirs.

Margaret’s parents had each attended college, but circumstances did not allow them to graduate. They were determined to give their children that opportunity. Margaret graduated from Emporia State teachers College in 1942, teaching her first years in Augusta, Kansas. For the next 34 years she taught elementary grades in Augusta, Kansas City, KS and Wichita.

On June 24, 1945 she married Dale McCauley. They owned a jewelry store in Augusta, Kansas. She studied hand engraving in the Kansas City School of Watch making, and worked in the store part time.

Bill McCauley, their only child was a great joy to them. Time was devoted to him in church, school, and scout activities. Margaret taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and organized a summer youth choir.

In 1971, Margaret and Bill moved to Wichita. She is a member of Asbury Methodist Church. Never caring for the spot light, she found time to call on ill friends, sing in the choir or help those in needing rides to church functions.

Arts and crafts were always of interest to her. For many years she used her talents in china painting, teaching it and selling items at craft shows. She did oil painting and silversmith, some of which were used on Presbyterian Manor Calendars. Sewing and a multitude of crafts challenged her talents.

On August 6, 1989 she married Floyd Peterson. At that time, she sold her home on Ponderosa, and moved into the Presbyterian Manor, where Floyd had lived for seven years. Floyd preceded her in death on February 16, 1998.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at Southlawn Cemetery in Severy, Kansas.

A memorial has been established in her name to the Kansas Children’s Service League. Memorials may be sent in c/o of Koup Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 595, Eureka, Kansas 67045 who were in charge of arrangements.