Margaret Rosalee Ritch Angell

Margaret Rosalee Ritch Angell was born in Murphy, North Carolina on February 18, 1942 to parents Chester Ritch and Annie Mae Gibson Ritch. Margaret graduated from Murphy High School in 1959 and from the Grady Memorial Hospital School of Professional Nursing Class of 1959, from Columbus College Class of 1975 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She married Arthur Clarence Angell, Jr. on November 10, 1962 at Sacred Heart Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

Upon moving to Columbus, Margaret worked as a RN at St. Francis, Medical Center, and Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. Margaret taught the first class of Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Columbus Vocational Technical School in 1970.

Margaret was the first Infection Control Nurse at the Medical Center in 1974 and then became the 3-11 Nursing Supervisor at the new Doctors Hospital in 1975.

Margaret Angell became a founding member of what was to become Columbus Hospice along with Dale Gernigan and George Cussel in 1978. She served continuously on the Board of Directors from 1979 until her death. In 1995, she received the “National Service to Mankind Award” for her efforts and work in making Columbus Hospice a much-needed success.

Margaret worked for Art Angell Advertising Associates (AAAA) from 1981 until 1987 when she and her husband, Art, applied for and were awarded the license for WAGH Magic 98.3 FM. Since the Angells didn’t feel it would be fair to own both a FM Station and an Advertising Agency in the same market they released their clients.

The Angells made Magic 98 a very popular and successful radio station which they sold in March 1998. Having been raised in the mountains of North Carolina, Margaret loved all types of music, especially Country and Western with Gospel and Bluegrass.

Margaret helped form the band “Blended Bluegrass” in the early ‘70s. It was made up of musicians from the Columbus Market and provided lots of fun and entertainment throughout GA, AL, and FL. The band was asked to go on the road and be the lead-in band for Grand Ole Opry’s “Jim & Jesse and the Virginia Boys”. That was quite an honor, but some of the band members were not ready to give up their jobs and security. Blended Bluregrass performed at festivals throughout the Southeast and even performed at the Georgia Capitol. Margaret also enjoyed theater and played “Lady MacBeth” in Columbus College's Production of “Twelth Night” at the Springer. She also appeared in several plays at the Springer Opera House and in their Road Company productions directed by Paul Pierce.

Margaret passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on January 13, 2021 in Midland, Georgia. She is survived by her husband, Arthur C. Angell, Jr., her sister, Carolyn "Connie" Dawson, and a host of other family members.

In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Margaret’s family wishes for memorial contributions to be made to Columbus Hospice at www.columbushospice.com.

Family will visit with friends on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby Columbus, Georgia. For the safety of the family and all attending the service please wear face covering and follow social distancing. Private burial will be in Parkhill Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service for Margaret will be held at a later date.

To share fond memories and condolences with the Angell family please visit www.shcolumbus.com.