Obituary of Margaret Ann Kohl

Beloved wife, mother and friend, Margaret Ann “M.A.” Kohl passed away August 20, 2016 following a courageous battle with cancer. A true southern lady, M.A. was born August 10, 1930 in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas to Dewey Stubbs and Margaret Richards Atkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, George Thomas “Tommy” Stubbs and sister, Lucie Branton York. M.A. was the granddaughter of the late Senator Thomas Pinkney and Margaret Augusta Atkins of DeValls Bluff, Arkansas. Her beloved grandfather was an attorney and served as a Lay Minister in the DeValls Bluff United Methodist Church. M.A. was very proud of her American heritage. She was a descendant of the Mayflower Pilgrims, Mary Ball, the mother of George Washington and a cousin to Thomas Jefferson. Her ancestors participated in every major American war with the exception of Vietnam. Preparing for membership to the Daughters of the American Revolution was one of her last projects. Her pending membership gave her great joy. Following her father’s death, the family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas where she graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1948. During this time, she was an active member of the Little Rock Cotillion Club. M.A. was honored to be the Rose Queen of Little Rock in 1950. She represented her home state in the Parade of Roses in Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day 1951. During her visit, she caught the attention of Paramount Studios and was offered a screen test. After meeting Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Jerry Lewis, Dan Dailey and Jane Wyman she declined their offer and returned to Little Rock. Upon her return, Governor Sid McMath named her an Official Arkansas Traveler. On Christmas Eve 1952, M.A. met the man who was to become the one true love of her life, Bill Kohl. M.A. was raised in the Methodist church and was a Democrat. When she discovered that Bill was not only a Catholic but also a Republican a deal was struck. Bill became a Methodist and M.A. became a Republican. They were married in Little Rock on October 25th, 1952. They are both proud and active members of the Asbury United Methodist Church, the Seekers Sunday school, and the Republican Party. Selfless service and giving to her community was an integral part of her life. She was president of the Tulsa Mrs. Club and served on innumerable boards, committees and events supporting The Tulsa Garden Club, Salvation Army, Tulsa Hearing Auxiliary, Tulsa Boy’s Home, and the Children’s Medical Center. A longtime member of the Cerebral Palsy Association (CPA), she served as President, Show Chair and Scenery Chair. As Scenery Chair of the CPA, her true passion, she designed and built scenery for shows in the Old Lady of Brady Street, Mabee Center and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. She was happiest when she came home covered in paint and sawdust. M.A. lived an incredibly full life. Years of summers were spent in Whitefish, Montana enjoying golfing, hiking, white water rafting, and photographing grizzly bears. There she took a basket weaving class that led her to another wonderful artistic endeavor. In Tulsa, weekend adventures with friends, parties, dances and events with the Tulsa Men’s and Mrs. Club filled her days with joy and laughter. This past Valentine’s Day, Bill and M.A. were crowned King and Queen of the Tulsa Men’s Club. M.A. loved crossword puzzles and solved at least two every day. She was so proficient with them that she completed them in ink. We will remember her beautiful smile, bright eyes, exceptional style, and wonderful artistic talent. She was known for the beautiful natural stone necklaces that she designed and handcrafted. Above all else, M.A. cherished her family, friends, a lively party and a great joke. Last words she shared with a granddaughter were “Katie, there is still fun to be had!” The heart of the Kohl family, M.A. leaves behind husband, Bill; sons, Matt Kohl of Tulsa, Mike Kohl and his wife, Laurie of McKinney, Texas; grandchildren, Melissa Eubanks and her husband, Tyler of Tulsa, Margaret Katherine “Kate” Kohl and Jackson Kohl of McKinney, Texas; great grandsons, Toby and Sterling Kohl of Tulsa. A memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Asbury United Methodist Church, Mason Chapel. In lieu flowers, friends may contribute to a charity of their choice. Ninde Funeral & Cremation (918) 742-5556 www.ninde.com