Margaret L. Altom, 76, of Sandoval passed away Saturday, April 15, 2023, at her home.
She was born on March 9, 1947, the daughter of August and Gladys (Williams) Berning in Breese. She married James Altom in 1963 at Salem and he preceded her in death on October 13, 2003.
Survivors include her beloved family, children, Judy Louise Crump and husband Joseph of Sandoval, August M. Altom and wife Melissa of North Carolina, Victoria Angela Kovalik of Oklahoma, and Kimberly Lynn Barbadillo and husband Roy of Texas; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brothers August Berning and wife Betty of Bloomington, and Roger Berning and wife Terry of Centralia; and sister, Mary Quick of Odin.
Along with her husband, James Altom, Margaret was preceded in death by her parents August and Gladys Berning.
Margaret was a welcome face and loyal employee of SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, keeping the hospital in good shape while working as part of the janitorial team, until her retirement. She loved fishing for crappies, and quiet time working on her embroidery. She had a green thumb, growing vibrant, colorful flowers. Margaret was a bingo queen who liked visiting with friends while playing. Margaret appreciated the simple pleasures of life, treasured time with her family and always saw the best in others.
A graveside service will be held in honor of Margaret at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 27, 2023. Relatives and friends are welcome to a celebration of life gathering from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Sandoval Community Center. Memorials may be made in Margaret’s honor to the donor’s choice and will be accepted for the family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Margaret may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
