Margaret Ann Wise

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Matriarch Margaret Ann Wise. She left this earth on June 29, 2022, as she wished, in her home with loved ones near. She was in her 97th year.

Margaret was born to William and Myrtle Witten on Dec. 4, 1924, in Leitchfield, Kentucky. Margaret and her siblings Warren, Edith, Bura and Francis grew up in Louisville. She attended Heywood School until, according to her, she knew more than the teachers.

While on a blind date with another fellow, Margaret met Leo Raymond Wise Sr. and began a love for the ages. They were married on Nov. 20, 1942. Their family began with three sons, Ray, Jim, and Rusty and three daughters, Patricia, Sharon, and Darlene. What began as a seven-person family has now grown to 87 people! She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother and had a gift that made all feel as though they were the most important person in the world when in
her presence. This ability led to always having three or four extra kids at her house besides hers. It also gained her the title of “The Favorite Aunt." All her grandchildren begged to spend the night with her whenever they stopped by to visit. She usually relented and had guests for a night or two. Her house is where most of them had their first cup of coffee. When you hugged her, you knew you were loved. Very often she would comment on who the “good huggers” were in her life. It was not something she took lightly. She also loved to dance. Raymond didn’t know how to dance when he met her. He learned quickly. As their kids grew up and had kids of their own, it was common to see all three generations at The Red Barn dances.

She also loved to travel. Her travels included an Alaskan cruise, Hawaii, Aruba, and Las Vegas to name a few. Vegas may or may not have been a repeat destination! To say she was adventurous is an understatement.

Margaret worked just as hard as she played. She spent most of her career keeping house for a local family, who became family, too. One of the many lessons she taught her grandchildren is to always have some money tucked away in your “hidey hole” in your wallet. Every member of the family has at least one quilt that she made for them. Each one painstakingly pieced together with love and determination.

Margaret has been described as the glue for the family. The values, lessons, love and laughs that she gave will allow them to take it from here.

She will be missed greatly by her children, Ray Jr. and Sherry Wise, Carol Wise, Rusty Wise, Sharon and Gordon Burton and Darlene Cole.

Stories of the twinkle in her eye, and sly smile when she was up to something mischievous, will be told by her 13 grandchildren to her 31 great-grandchildren and her 18 great-great-grandchildren. All of whom, were blessed to have had her in their lives.

She has already undoubtedly been met at the gates by her husband Raymond, her daughter, Patricia, her son, Jim, and her daughter, Phyllis.

Visitation will be held at Love Funeral Home in Palmyra on Tuesday July 5, from 12 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday July 6, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The funeral will be held at St Michael Catholic Church Bradford.

Donations can be made to St. Michael Catholic Church Bradford in lieu of flowers.