Margaret Ann Wilkes

Margaret, affectionately known as Marge, was born on August 30, 1939 In Monongahela, Pennsylvania to George Foster and Margaret Moss. Her mother Margaret passed away when Marge was 2 years old. George remarried some years later to Mae Helmken who helped raise her and her brother Rodger along with Mae’s children from a prior marriage; Charles Helmken, John Helmken and Almira Helmken. George and Mae had one mutual child Jane Foster.

After many years in Pennsylvania, the family relocated to El Cajon, California where Marge graduated from El Cajon High School in 1957.

In 1959 Marge married Samuel Blair and together they had 4 boys, Sam Jr., John, Rick and Bob.

In 1977, she married the love of her life and best friend, William Wilkes and they were inseparable. Bill had two children that immediately became Marge’s children as well, Elizabeth (Liz) and William Jr. (B.J.). Marge never again referred to heself as being a mother of 4 but was proud to tell all that would listen, and even those that didn’t want to listen, that she had 6 children, 5 boys and one girl.

Although small in stature, Marge was larger than life. Her smile and energy would light a room the moment she entered it. She was constantly on the move and those that would attempt to keep up with her simply got tired and fell behind.

Marge worked for Civil Service for over 30 years. The last position that she held was as secretary for the Commanding Officer of the training squadron for “Top Gun”. She retired in 1993. Her and Bill relocated to Henderson, Nevada where she lived out the remaining years of her life.

While in Henderson, she secured a position with a youth bowling organization, specifically focused on special needs children competing in Special Olympics. Although most would consider her a hero for working with special needs youth’s, she believed and reminded others how those kids made her a better person inside and out. She was and always will be a magnificent lady and mentor that will never ever be forgotten by anyone who had the luxury of crossing paths with her.

Marge is preceded in death by her father George, her mother Margaret, her stepmother Mae, her step siblings Charles, John and Almira, her brother Rodger and a granddaughter Bethany. She is survived by her husband and best friend Bill, her sister Jane and all of her 6 children. She is also survived by her 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Rather than send flowers, should you chose to honor Marge, please make a donation in her name to the Special Olympics of Southern Nevada. We all know that she would appreciate it very much. Marge you will be missed by all that had the pleasure of crossing your path.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmdowntownmortuary.com for the Wilkes family.