Margaret Pugh Carnahan

Margaret Pugh Carnahan, 80, of Independence, MO passed away on October 14, 2020. She was born March 3, 1940 in Boulder, CO to Dr. U.R. Pugh and Christine Griffey Pugh. Growing up in Liberty, MO she attended Liberty High School and William Jewell College where she received a teaching degree. She married Dwight W. Carnahan and remained by his side until his death in 2015. The couple lived in Independence, MO and enjoyed their two daughters, Annette and Renee. As educators, they were able to take long summer vacations with their travel trailer, visiting national parks and historical sites around the country and the world.

Margaret taught high school history before completing her Master’s degree in counseling. She went on to spend most of her career as an elementary counselor for the Blue Springs School District where she deeply enjoyed serving students and their families. She opened All That Glitters, a glamorous women’s dress store, in Blue Springs, MO and enjoyed offering the bright and colorful clothing she delighted in wearing.

Nothing brought her more joy than her three grandsons: Damon, Logan and Jacob Freers. She adored spending time with them, watching them play sports and teaching them new things. Margi, as her grandsons called her, was the first to encourage her grandson Damon to fish, and never stopped supporting his deep love of the sport. She loved taking Jacob and Logan golfing and to athletic activities. In her later years, her grandsons delighted in returning the favor by taking her to the theater or club gatherings. Her love of movies and all fine arts kept her entertained and engaged throughout her life.

She was a devout Christian who made God the guide of her life. Margaret taught Sunday School for over 20 years at Maywood Baptist Church, where she was a member her entire adult life. Her love for others was evident in the way she treated those around her. She modeled love and acceptance and was never too busy to offer a smile or hand of support. Mom treasured her friends. While helping with last minute preparations before one friend’s daughter’s wedding, the friend commented that her slip was uncomfortable. Mom quickly gave the friend her own slip so the friend had nothing to distract her from this special day. Mom never hesitated to give whatever she had to another in need.

Margaret strongly believed in promoting women’s rights and serving her community. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the National Society Magna Carta Dames.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Annette and husband Dwight. She will be deeply missed by her grandsons and her daughter Dr. Renee Freers, as well as by her brother John and wife Connie Pugh, living in Portales, NM. A graveside service was held on Monday, Oct. 19th to honor her life. Donations are welcome to her father’s memorial scholarship, the Dr. U.R. Pugh Scholarship Fund at Wm. Jewell College. Arrangements by Speaks Memorial Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com.