The Life of Margaret Pirtle

Margaret L. Pirtle, passed away at her home on July 25, 2018. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 4 from 10-1030am at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, followed by graveside services at 11am at the Olathe Memorial Cemetery.

Margaret was born October 11, 1926 to Howard Glen McConnell and Amelita Wilson McConnell on their grandparents farm east of Olathe. She grew up on the same farm and attended Pleasant Ridge grade school and Olathe High School, where she graduated in 1944. 

She then worked as a secretary for several years in Olathe, and in later years worked for printing companies.

She married Jesse Pirtle on March 24, 1946 at the Baptist Church in Olathe, and they had three children, Margaret Ann, Diana Jean and James Wesley. Her husband, Jesse, passed away May 29, 1993.

Margaret enjoyed gardening, her home, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

She lived in several states during her married life, including New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Florida and Louisiana while her husband served in the U.S. Navy.

Surviving family include her children, Margaret Shapley (Joe), Diana Holland (Ernest), and James Pirtle (Thelma), nine grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sisters Evelyn Suddarth of Gardner, Dorothy Hayes of Baldwin, and her brother Clifford "Allen" McConnell of Overbrook.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the American Heart Association.