In loving memory of

Margaret Wells
February 14, 1928 - April 12, 2017

MARGARET WELLS
GENESEO, Illinois - Margaret Wells, 89, a former resident of Muscatine, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at Hillcrest Home in Geneseo.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at the Geneseo Evangelical Free Church. Reverend Stephen Palm will officiate. Burial will take place in Greenview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in East Moline, Illinois.

Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2017, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home, Muscatine. Memorials may be made to Geneseo Evangelical Free Church. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com


Margaret was born on February 14, 1928, in Astoria, Illinois, the daughter of John and Mary Burgard Baum. She married Paul David Wells on June 26, 1949 and later married Lawrence Smice. Both husbands preceded her in death.

Margaret was baptized at Church of the Brethren in Astoria, Illinois, attended Hillcrest Baptist Church in Muscatine, and later enjoyed being a part of bible study groups at Woodridge Assisted Living in Geneseo.

Margaret was a hard worker both at home and as an employee. She worked at Louis Rich, Rand McNally Book Warehouse, and as a dietician at Illini Hospital. A good friend to many, Margaret was always generous with her time and resources. She enjoyed helping people and spent much of her time in her later years giving rides to friends unable to drive themselves. She was an excellent baker. She is fondly remembered by many for showing up at sporting events with her chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate to share. She enjoyed watching sports and especially loved watching any activity in which her grandchildren were participating. They, along with her children, were her pride and joy.

Those left to honor her memory include two sons, David Wells of Columbus Junction, Iowa, and Tim Wells and wife, Andrea, of Muscatine, Iowa; two daughters, Zina Akre and husband, Kent, of Geneseo, Illinois, and Shonna Teichman and husband, Dirk, of Fresno, California; eight grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Baum and wife, Joann, of Ipava, Illinois; and two sisters, Judy Kellogg of Elmwood, Illinois, and Rosalie Harvey of East Moline, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and brothers, Russell, Raymond, Rodney, Richard, and Ronnie Baum; and four sisters, Frances Heller, Gartha Royer, Lola May Huff, and Leona Skiles.

Tributes

Craig Plowman wrote on Apr 20, 2017:

"Tim and family, Sending our sympathies for your mom. Sounds like she lived a rich and full life. Take care, Craig & Holly Plowman"

Marilyn DeKeyrel wrote on Apr 17, 2017:

"To the wonderful Family of Margaret. So sorry for the loss of such a great Woman and Mother! I'm so sorry we can't make visitation but we have out of town appointments for the day. Just wanted to her three children she was a wonderful friend for many years always had a beautiful Heart for all her family and friends. I had worked with her at Rand McNally and Louis Rich for years we Baked so many wedding cakes and just any kind anyone wanted and done it with pride and Patience. I will certainly miss her even though we lost contact. God Bless all the Family and God will guide you through the tough times Love to all. "

Nancy Stover wrote on Apr 16, 2017:

"I got to know Margaret during her time at WoodRidge when I went to visit my mom there. Margaret and I almost always had an interesting conversation when I arrived as she frequently sat next to the sign-in/sign out book. I called her the official greeter, with her pens and paper with her walker. She quite often had an interesting closing comment, like "See you later Toody," when I left. She had a good heart and wanted people to be happy. When she was no longer able to be at WoodRidge, I missed her. With sympathy, as I'm sure the family will miss her until they meet her again."

Roberta Smith wrote on Apr 15, 2017:

"My father and I would like to express our sympathy for the passing of Margaret. My father, Robert Hoste lives at Woodridge. Margaret would always be sitting at the entrance to Woodridge greeting people as they came in. Again our sympathies. Roberta Smith"

Jane Reimers wrote on Apr 14, 2017:

"Tim and Zina, My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your mom. Zina, I remember when she made you, Kelly, and me mop the kitchen floor after we made a mess while "baking" without her permission. I remember we had fun even doing that. I hope you are comforted by your memories and they bring you peace in the difficult days ahead. God bless, Jane Reimers "

Lazetta O'Neill wrote on Apr 13, 2017:

"Zina, Tim, David and Shonna. My heartfelt thoughts & prayers are with you all as you grieve. Aunt Margie was such a fun and sweet person. I pray for each of you to have peace in your hearts knowing you were loved by a wonderful woman. God bless and be with you always "