Margaret Ann Heflin Gentges, 77, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 24, 2021, in Littleton, Colo.
She was born May 24, 1943 to Edith and Stanley Heflin in Topeka, Kan. and lived most of her life in Great Falls, Va.
She was united in marriage to Frank H. Gentges.
Margaret graduated from George Washington High School in Alexandria, VA and Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. She had an early career as a computer systems analyst for the Department of Justice and later decided to stay home to raise her children. Margaret used to joke that she started doing genealogical research as a way to escape the “goo-goo ga-ga” at least once a week. What began as a minor interest turned into a lifelong passion. Margaret researched both her own family and her husband Frank’s family, tracing lineages back to the Revolutionary War, to small towns in Germany and even to the Mayflower. She then moved on to what she called “Community Genealogy,” researching and publishing the histories of the families of Osage County.
Margaret was an active member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Sterling, Va. She took great pride in her role as a mother and a leader in her community. Her family joked that she was a “Professional Volunteer,” always eager to lend a hand. Her volunteer activities included the Boy Scouts of America, where she was awarded the Silver Beaver for distinguished service, the Girl Scouts, Red Cross, PTA, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Legion of Mary, and numerous other organizations.
Any account of Margaret’s life wouldn’t be complete without mentioning her love of nature, which she passed on to her own children, as well as to many boy and girl scouts over the years. She knew the names of every bird, plant and flower she saw. She knew campcraft, knot tying, first aid, crafts and skits, and was always happy to start a round of singing by the campfire. Her garden included a dizzying array of native plants and her bird-feeders were always overflowing.
Margaret is remembered fondly by all who knew her as a warm, joyful soul with a quick smile and cheerful demeanor and her joyful spirit, easy smile, and warm heart will be missed by all who knew her.
She and her family enjoyed spending time with family and friends in Springfield and Jefferson City.
Visitation will be 9-10 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial, Monday, June 14, at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martins with the Rev. Jason Doke officiating.
Interment will be with her husband Frank at Mount Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria, Va., later this summer.
Memorial contributions suggested to any of the organizations listed above or volunteering in your own community in Margaret’s memory.
Arrangements entrusted to Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home in Jefferson City.
Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
