Margaret Sue Baker Rhodes was born August 29, 1939, in Gladewater, Texas to Joe Baker and Elizabeth Willis Baker. She grew up in Longview, Texas, and graduated from Longview High School in 1957. Margaret studied at SMU and graduated with her Registered Nurse Degree from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in August 1960. She met and married Andy Gene Rhodes during this time while he was serving in the Army. Andy drove to Dallas with some of his friends from Fort Hood to attend a party, and Margaret and her roommate were invited. They met there in 1963 and were married in February 1964. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage. She became a faithful member of Bethel Methodist Church in 1967 and remained so for the rest of her life. She and Andy were blessed with three children, Mike, Marla, and Amanda.

Margaret worked as an RN at Methodist Hospital in Dallas and also at the hospital in Dumas, Texas. She became office nurse at the Medical and Surgical Clinic of Irving and served there for 21 years. Margaret then became school nurse for Irving ISD and served for 20 years before retiring in 2002.

Margaret was a survivor. She worked hard and stayed busy caring for her husband and their children and extended family, even as she battled her own cancer twice. In later years when Andy's health declined she was his devoted caregiver.

Margaret was very thankful for her family. She considered her greatest blessings her children and her grandchildren.

She was the best Granny any child could wish for. Her unconditional love was a treasured blessing for Raelynn, Haden, Houston, and Sarah. They will cherish her thoughtful traditions and all the wonderful memories Granny made with them.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Bill J. Baker and sister-in-law Mary Ann Baker of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; her sister, Jo Ann Baker Toole of Marshall, Texas; and her husband, Andy Gene Rhodes of Irving, Texas.

She is survived by son Michael Rhodes and wife Brenna of Waco, Texas; daughter Marla Minter and husband Johnnie of Irving, Texas; daughter Amanda Moilan and husband Drew of Wylie, Texas; and her beloved grandchildren.

Margaret was especially thankful for the love of friends who became her family:

Chris Slye, her dear sister in Christ; Fran Kozusko, who started as a neighbor but quickly became family; Diane McCameron, her lifelong childhood friend; Carol Garretson, her nursing school roommate; and Edith Brock, her co-worker and dear friend. These lasting friendships were a blessing throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bethel Methodist Church of North Texas, 5310 Pleasant Run Rd., Colleyville, Texas, 76034.