Margaret Mee, 72, of Trego

The world gained another guardian angel on Dec. 10, 2012, when Margaret Mee, 72, passed away at her home, enveloped in the love of her family, from a brief battle with cancer. 

On Earth, she guarded over her immediate family, as well as her extended family of Trego school children, and will continue to do so from the heavens above. 

Margaret was born on Oct. 22, 1940, in Dayton, Wash., to Gilbert Lee and Hazel Margaret Lindley Gilbreath. She was the oldest of three children.  

She grew up in Dayton, Wash., where she graduated valedictorian of Dayton High School in 1958 at the age of 17. She then went on to further her education at Washington State College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business and education. 

Margaret arrived from Dayton, Wash., fresh out of college to teach business, typing, publications and shorthand at Lincoln County High School in Eureka where she taught for several years. 

When Margaret left Washington, her father, Gilbert, strictly told her to stay away from loggers. Fortunately, Margaret didn’t listen and met her soulmate and husband of 47 years, LeeRoy Mee. 

Margaret and LeeRoy were married on Nov. 20, 1965, in Eureka and celebrated their marriage with a reception at the Point of Rocks. Margaret then joined her husband at a home in Trego by Dickey Creek where they lived for five years. They then purchased property right in Trego and have resided there ever since. Margaret and LeeRoy raised three girls, Lori, Amanda and Wendi. 

After marrying LeeRoy, Margaret took a job teaching yearbook and general studies at Trego School. She gained a position on the Trego School Board and then shortly after, in 1974, became clerk at Trego School. Margaret worked continuously as Trego School clerk for 38 years until her death. She was still not ready for retirement. Margaret dedicated her life to Trego School and to the students who attended there. 

Margaret rarely missed a day, whether it was an athletic event, school program or a barbecue, Margaret was always there making sure things went off without a hitch. She was truly Trego School’s biggest fan. 

In some way, whether large or small, she touched the life of each and every child who attended Trego School. It could have been a hug or a pat on the back, a positive word of encouragement or a piece of candy.Margaret made a difference. 

Margaret was a very active member of the community. For years Margaret was an integral part of the Trego Trail Blazer 4-H Club and until recently, helped run the livestock auction at the Lincoln County Fair. She was also, at its inception, the first secretary of the TFS Fire Department, where she took notes in the long forgotten art of shorthand.

Margaret loved to sit in her chair or on her porch and watch the myriad birds that would arrive at her bird feeders, telling her grandkids what was what. If a new species of bird arrived, she would consult one of her many bird books for the answer. 

Another of her loves was flowers. Margaret kept an amazing garden of perennials as well as many planters full to the brim. She took pride in the beauty, making sure each plant was properly watered and trimmed. 

Margaret led by example. She left behind a legacy of love and a deep commitment to family values. Margaret’s true joy in life was her family. 

She and LeeRoy dedicated their lives to their three daughters and then to their six grandchildren. Margaret’s huge heart and extreme pride in her children and grandchildren was evident every day, in everything she did. She encouraged her girls and then her grandchildren to follow their hearts and their dreams. 

First and foremost she stressed the importance of academics, then arts and athletics. Margaret and LeeRoy were their grandchildren’s biggest fans. They never missed an event, often traveling between three towns in one day to catch as many games as they could, or they would divide so one grandparent was always there to cheer the grandkids on. 

Her ever-present seat in the bleachers or chair at the baseball game will surely be missed. But, now, Margaret has the best seat in the house: Box seats from above.   

Margaret is survived by her husband of 47 years, LeeRoy Mee; her daughters, Lori Guckenberg, husband Mike and sons Bryton and Holden, Amanda Anderson, husband Kelly and children Evynn and Quade, and Wendi McNeil, husband Justin and sons Garrett and Greyden all of Trego. 

Margaret has a sister, Carolyn Burdine (Clyde) of Waitsburg, Wash., and a brother Lyle Gilbreath (Marie) of Carson, Wash. She also leaves behind many extended family members and close friends she has met over the years. 

In lieu of flowers there will be scholarship fund for a Trego student set up at Glacier Bank in Eureka. 

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka.