Margaret Ann McIver Eller (81) was born in Plains, Kansas on Thursday, September 9, 1943, into the loving arms of her parents, Guy Merritt McIver and Beatrice Lucille Barrett McIver. She grew up in the Midwest as her father worked in the pipeline industry and traveled many states for work while her mother was a full-time homemaker. They planted strong roots in northern New Mexico. Margaret spent her high school years in Aztec, New Mexico. She was active in school and participated in Rainbows, basketball, and the Nursing Club. She knew from an early age that she wanted a career in nursing. After her high school graduation, she attended the Regina School of Nursing in Albuquerque. She earned her Registered Nurse (RN) degree and license in 1964. Her final transcript reflected that her test scores were 10-15 points higher than the recommended requirements. She had made her dream a reality. She went on to obtain her nursing license in both New Mexico, and Texas.

As her parents moved to the panhandle of Texas, Margaret followed. She landed her first job in 1964 with Spearman Nursing Home and later employed with Hansford County Hospital. It was during that time, through friends, that she met a dashing-handsome cowboy, James Elmer Eller and they married in 1965. James had a young daughter, Debra Jean, from a previous marriage. Margaret quickly became a wife, full-time mother, and a career woman. They built their home in Green Acres Community of Spearman, Texas. Margaret continued her nursing career as a generalized nurse, where she did it all…from ER, surgeries, recovery, to delivering babies, and later working as a floor/full-charge nurse. She worked for Roland Lee (RL) Kleeberger doctor’s office, Hansford County Hospital and would even moonlight at the Borger Hospital on weekends as needed. She loved caring and helping others, it became her passion.

Along with family/work life, Margaret often volunteered her nursing expertise for medical/insurance physicals, local medical clinics/programs, Girl Scouts summer camp nurse and was famously known for the best “pain-free” shots. She loved family gatherings, traveling/camping, gardening, canning goods/cooking – making the best rhubarb pie. Margaret was creative and talented with sewing/crocheting, making ceramics, and loved a good game of cards/dominos. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Spearman and prayed daily.

Later in life, her marriage union dissolved, and she moved to Amarillo to further her nursing career.  Margaret was employed with St. Anthony’s Hospital for several years prior to the merger of BSA Hospital.  She worked a few more years with BSA Hospital before retiring after 42 years of nursing.  She also developed an interest in jewelry making/bead work and took several classes on cake decorating.  She was active in her church (Bell Avenue Baptist/Cornerstone) and volunteered when she was able.  She loved Jesus and was grateful for the many doors that He opened for her during her career/life.  Her passion led her to care for thousands of patients during her career while significantly impacting their lives, and even saving a few lives along the way – that was her superpower!

Margaret died in peaceful slumber on September 11, 2024, and was buried in Copeland, KS. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Geraldine, Jacqualine, and her parents.  Margaret is survived by an older brother, Charles McIver of Amarillo, her daughter, Debra of Amarillo/Dallas, along with family and friends.  She was loved and will be greatly missed.