Margaret J. “Maggie” Burnside, 74, of Rushville died at 9:55 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009, at Culbertson Long Term Care Facility in Rushville.Margaret J. “Maggie” Burnside, 74, of Rushville died at 9:55 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009, at Culbertson Long Term Care Facility in Rushville.
She was born March 25, 1935, in Schuyler County, a daughter of Clifford and Beulah Chipman Downs. She married Jim Burnside on Jan. 3, 1974, in Rushville. He survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Rhonda (and Mike) Howard of Rushville; one stepson, Jimmie Burnside of San Diego, Calif.; three stepdaughters, Vickie (and Dale) Little of Rushville, Mickie Saunders of San Diego and Cindy (and Larry) Peterson of Arab, Ala.; one sister, Marjorie Downs Byers of Glen Arm, Md.; three brothers, Dwayne Downs and Merlin (and Becky) Downs, both of Rushville and Gary (and Norma) Downs of Ames, Iowa; two grandchildren; nine step grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and eight step great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Esther Downs and Virginia Gieker; and two brothers, John Harlan and Richard Downs.
She first worked as an operator with Schuyler Telephone in Rushville. She then began working at Rushville Junior High School cafeteria, before moving to Rushville High School cafeteria and at the same time in the dietary department at Culbertson Memorial Hospital. She retired from the high school cafeteria after 27 years of service.
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, and Women of the Moose in Rushville.
She was a member of Schuyler American Legion Auxiliary #4, she served as past president, coordinated the Schuyler County Miss Poppy program and spent hours volunteering with different projects. She also was a member of Gutherie-Pierce VFW Auxiliary. She volunteered with American Red Cross, Schuyler Jail Museum and Genealogical Center, Schuyler American Legion Post 4 Junior Auxiliary and delivered mobile meals.
Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at her church in Rushville with Rev. Steven Akins officiating. Burial will follow in Burnside Cemetery south of Rushville. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Schuyler Jail Museum and Genealogical Center or her church.
Condolences may be sent to www.woodfh.net.