Margaret Ruth (Darneille) Stafford

Margaret Ruth (Darneille) Stafford, age 84, of Grants Pass, died Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at her home. She courageously battled liver cancer for the past four years.

Margaret was born May 17, 1931 at a gold mine near Murphy, Oregon to Marion L. and Lula A. Inman Darneille. She was a fifth generation Oregonian. She graduated from Grants Pass High School, Class of 1949. On September 2, 1951 at Newman United Methodist Church in Grants Pass she married Darrell Stafford. She had a PHT Degree (Pushed Husband Through) OSU where Darrell received a degree in School of Engineering. For many years she worked as a membership secretary for University United Methodist Church in Peoria, Illinois.

She volunteered and was active with her children’s Cub Scout Den and Girl Scout Troop.

Margaret was a member of the Newman United Methodist Church, Josephine County Historical Society, Jackson County Genealogical Society, Photographic Society of America, Caveman Camera Club, Peoria Astronomy Society, Peoria Camera Club in Peoria, Illinois, University United Methodist Church (Kings Daughter’s, Ruth and/or Rebecca Circles), Common Place in Peoria, Illinois, Women’s International Bowling Congress – avid bowler for many years at Crossroads, Pleasure Island and Mt. Hawley Bowling Alleys, Peoria, Illinois.

In addition to her husband Darrell Stafford of Grants Pass, survivors include son, Duane (Janet) Stafford of Champaign, Illinois; daughter-in-law, Vivian Stafford of Arvada, Colorado and daughter, Carla Blackard of Peoria, Illinois; 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Elmer J. Darneille; a sister Helen J. Black and a son Byron L. Stafford.

Memorial donations may be made to Newman United Methodist Church or Josephine County Historical Society.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Newman United Methodist Church. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.