Margaret Ruth Gurley

Margaret Ruth Gurley, passed away on Sept.12, 2026, in Joplin,  at the age of 83. 
She was born on Aug. 18, 1943, in Carthage, to Albert Leander and Edna Sultana (Coates) Bachtold. 
She was united in marriage to George Richard Gurley on Jan. 26, 1964. Together they shared 56 years of wonderful memories until his passing on Nov.14, 2020. 
She is survived by her children, Gina Lynne Revel and her husband Jason of Leawood, Kan., Erik Richard Gurley and his wife Lisa of Pea Ridge, Ark., and Jared Dale Gurley of Sarcoxie. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, 
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Jerry Dale Bachtold. 
She was a 1961 graduate of Sarcoxie High School and later continued her education at Southwest Missouri State, where she earned her master’s degree. Her lifelong dedication to education began with teaching at Purdy High School for two years. The following year, she joined the Sarcoxie R-II School District, where she devoted her entire career to Wildwood Elementary teaching 6th and 4th grade. She served as a Reading Paraprofessional at Wildwood School for more than 24 years and spent 57 years of her life dedicated to the education of the state’s young citizens through her timeless work as an educator. In recognition of her remarkable service, she received a Resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives honoring her commitment and devotion to children and learning.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, She was also active in the PEO chapter and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. 
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home with Reverend James Schnackenberg officiating. Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Carthage Humane Society, Joplin Humane Society or Sarcoxie Library in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.