Margaret R. Schwein, 94, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2013, in Independence, Missouri, surrounded by loving family. She was born April 9, 1919, in Moscow, Idaho, to Dr. Homer B. and Anna Dale Cole Reed. Margaret graduated from Hays High School at the age of 16 and then, in 1939, she graduated from Fort Hays State University with honors. While at college, she met Rex L. Schwein, the love of her life, dropping her books at his feet to get his attention. Margaret and Rex were married May 27, 1941, in Hays, KS, beginning 68 years of love and adventure, which included raising five children.
Margaret was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma national sorority for over 75 years, serving as president of her college chapter for two years, followed by 18 years of national alumnae publication work. Margaret and Rex moved to Atchison, Kansas, in 1946, where she was active in PTA, Cub Scouts, AAUW, and the United Methodist Church. The Schweins opened their home to many foreign students who attended the local colleges, and hosted three foreign exchange students.
Before her marriage, Margaret taught high school Physical Education and History in Smith Center, Kansas. Later, employed as a substitute teacher at Atchison High School, she taught journalism and was the advisor for the school newspaper and yearbook for two years. She enjoyed working as a feature writer and photo-journalist for the Atchison Daily Globe from 1962 to 1976. When Margaret and Rex travelled in the U.S., Mexico, and Europe, she shared their adventures via travel stories published by the Globe.
In 1981, Margaret and Rex retired to the community of Posada Del Sol in Harlingen, TX, where they enjoyed an active social life and formed new life-long friendships. Margaret taught exercise classes and water aerobics and she directed several amateur shows. Always looking to help others, she organized an annual Christmas project in which hundreds of dolls, toys, and stuffed animals were refurbished and distributed to indigent families in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. In 2007, health concerns and the desire to be closer to family prompted Margaret and Rex to relocate to Blue Springs, MO. Sadly, Rex passed away in 2009. Last year, Margaret moved to an assisted living apartment at the Villages of Jackson Creek in Independence, MO, where she loved the staff and they loved her.
Margaret was a gifted writer, a people person, and had an adventurous, fun-loving spirit. She enjoyed camping, fishing, swimming, photography, dancing, traveling, meeting people of all ages, and corresponding with her many friends and relatives, but she took special joy in her family. Her spiritual faith was an important part of her life. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church wherever she lived.
Margaret is survived by four daughters and a son: Karen Lee Killough of Manhattan, KS; Sue Grinlinton of Lake Tapawingo, MO; Kristen Allen (Larry) of Blue Springs, MO; Jerry Andersen (Gary) of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Rick Schwein (Connie) of Haddonfield, NJ.; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, her three sisters, and a grandson.
Margaret touched the lives of many people. She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed. In remembrance of her, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity.
A Celebration of Life service for Margaret R. Schwein. Visitation will be 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 11, 2014 at First United Methodist Church 301 SW Woods Chapel Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015. Service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the church