Margaret Ann (Martindale) Nichols passed away Saturday, February 19, 2011, at age 80, in Fort Smith, AR, surrounded by her children.

She was born August 8, 1930, in Catoosa, OK. Born in the 30's with Cherokee Heritage, Margaret was a child of the depression. She lived in a very tiny home in Catoosa with bathroom facilities outdoors. At Catoosa High School she excelled at basketball and academics, and as throughout her life, loved people and developed numerous friendships along her life path.

After raising four children; at age 47, she became a student again at the University of Southern Mississippi, graduating three years later. She worked for many years at that same university, until retiring at age 62 and moving back to Poteau, OK, in 1998.

Margaret developed many friendships in the 13 years she lived here. She was accepted into the Methodist Church family and was an avid bridge player. She was also an excellent speller, claiming the championship for six consecutive years at the adult Leflore County Spelling Bee.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Robert, of 62 years, and her parents, Cecil and Thelma Cochran Martindale. Margaret is survived by one son, Robert, Jr., and wife Becky, of Bixby, OK; three daughters, Debby Clark and husband, John, of Spiro, Adelia Webb and husband Steve, of Hattiesburg, MS; and Felicia Crow of Tempe, AZ; nine grandchildren, Emily Bandin and husband Alex, of Casa Grande, AZ, 1st Lt. Kristopher Clark and wife Luciana, of Denton, TX, SPC Sharla Clark Barns of San Antonio, TX and husband Ryan of Tulsa, Grant Webb and his wife Shelley, and Jay Webb all of Hattiesburg, MS, Jessica and Kayla Nichols of Bixby, OK, and Lauren and Dustin Kirkland of Tempe, AZ; ten great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Tatiana Gillum of Claremore, Jennifer, Kevin, and Kathleen Clark of Denton, TX, Dylan Arzillo and Kailynn Russell of Tempe, AZ, and A.J.., BreAna and Stevie Bandin of Casa Grande, AZ; one brother, John Martindale and wife Joyce of Claremore, OK.; as well as numerous other family, friends and loved ones.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at Grace Manor Memorial Chapel with Rev. Dr. Greg Tener officiating. Interment will be at 1:30 PM Tuesday, at Dick Duck Cemetery, Catoosa, OK. The Family will greet friends form 6-8 Monday at the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Grace Manor Funeral Home of Poteau. You may leave an on-line message to the family at www.gracemanorfh.com
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Poteau - Margaret Ann (Martindale) Nichols, 80, died Saturday in Fort Smith, Ark. Visitation 6-8 p.m. Monday and service 10 a.m. Tuesday, both at Grace Manor Funeral Home, and graveside service 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dick Duck Cemetery, Catoosa.

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