STURGIS, Margaret Ruth, age 86, a long time resident of Montgomery died Friday,June 15, 2007 at John Knox Manor. Margaret was born July 13, 1920 to James A. and Quinn Wilson Sturgis in Camden, Alabama. She was a Montgomery area educator, as well as a pioneer in housing and health care services for the elderly. Margaret received her BS degree in Commercial Education from the University of Alabama, and her ABD from Vanderbilt University. She was an educator at Lanier High School, the Armed Services at Maxwell AFB and Tyndall AFB, and for the Air Force Administration in San Paulo, Brazil. She also taught at The University of Alabama Extension Center in downtown Montgomery. In 1969, Margaret was one of four faculty members that moved from the Alabama Extension Center as it officially became the Auburn University Montgomery campus. She taught there until her retirement in 1983. Upon her retirement, friends and former students established the Margaret R. Sturgis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Economics. This award is given annually to an outstanding Economics student based on scholastic achievement and activities. It recognizes Margaret’s lifelong dedication to academic excellence, and her inspiration to countless students in the field of Economics. In 1968, Miss Sturgis was appointed to the board of John Knox Manor. She served as president and chairman of the board of that Presbyterian organization until 1999. During Margaret’s tenure on the board, she oversaw the building of John Knox Manor I, an original HUD 202 apartment complexfor independent living in 1970; John Knox Manor II, a skilled nursing home in 1976; and Sturgis Hall Assisted Living facility in 1997. Margaret Sturgis contributions to the community have been many. She is survived by a multitude of former students and many long time friends. Two friends she especially wanted remembered were Imogene Dillion and Sherry Rountree. Special thanks go out to the staff of John Knox Manor I and II for their tender loving care during the past 9 years. Also to Dr. Donald Marshall, and to former student and friend, Sam Bone. Graveside services will be held on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 3:00p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery with Chaplain Paul Turner officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be the Directors of John Knox Manor. The omission of flowers is requested. Donations may be made to the Margaret R. Sturgis Endowment c/o AUM, P.O. Box 244023, Montgomery, Al. 36124-4023; The Garden Fund at John Knox Manor, 4401 Narrow Lane Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 or the charity of your choice. Everyone will meet at the cemetery. Leak Memory Chapel Directing.
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Funeral Home: WHITE CHAPEL
Publication Date: 06/18/2007