Helen Margaret (Duggins) Marple
Jul 10, 1917 - Apr 1, 2015
Posted by Martha Reddout

On June 27, 1937, she was united in marriage to June Judson Marple, in Piedmont, Oklahoma. They were introduced to each other by her Uncle Pete Spradlin who was married to June’s sister, Ruby. Two children were born to this marriage. Norma Eldeen on July 14, 1938, and Dwain Edd on October 14, 1945. Early in their married life they lived in Moorewood, Oklahoma, where June was working at the cotton gin. Except for this period, she resided in Washita County for all of her life. When Dwain was 6 months old, they purchased a 160 acre farm, southeast of Canute and made this their home. The family farm has been a place of many happy and cherished memories for her beloved family. Margaret’s home and family were her pride and joy. She relished being a homemaker and kept her home immaculate. Well into her 80’s she was still cooking Sunday dinner every week for her family. She always had a large garden and grandchildren recall hot afternoons of snapping peas, picking produce, pulling weeds and drinking tea from a mason jar. She was a wonderful cook and prepared many dishes that became family favorites – mashed potatoes and gravy (with real lumps), pea salad, cream pies, coleslaw, chocolate cake, fried chicken, butterbeans, and her Thanksgiving turkey dressing was an all-time favorite.

Margaret was a devoted member of the Hefner Sunshine Homemakers Club and a long-time member of the Elk City United Methodist Church. She saw many changes in her 97 years. Growing up during the depression and the dust bowl influenced her to be very frugal with her resources. In her later years she was introduced to fast food and other conveniences, which were fine as long as someone else was buying! She never had a credit or debit card, cell phone or internet. Margaret shared her birthday with three great grandsons. This made for extra special birthday celebrations every summer.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, June Marple, granddaughter Angela Marple, son-in-law Wade Pratt, and daughter Norma Pratt.

Survivors include her son Dwain Marple and wife Brenda, of Mannford, Oklahoma; sister Clovis Von Essen, of Washington; grandchildren - Trenna Whitson and husband Rocky of Arnett; Toni Wilson and husband Bill of Burns Flat; Doug Newberry and wife Mary Lou of Altus; Cassie Henson and husband Chris of OKC; Kerrie Swartz and husband Allen of OKC; Chris Hopper and wife Catherine, of Cypress, Texas; Alecia Rice and husband Daniel of OKC; Amanda Marple and husband Matthew Hueste of Cypress, Texas; and Alaina Marple of OKC. Great grandchildren include Kiley Webb and husband Brent, Carmen Newberry, Amber Lourens and husband Nico, Will Whitson and fiancé Amanda Harzman, Matt Whitson and wife Brooklyn, Brett Wilson and wife Sarah, Brian Wilson, Jacob Marple, Alex Hollingsworth, Evan Hopper, Eric Hopper, Elissa Hopper and great great grandson Sam Webb.

She is also survived by a host of friends, long time neighbors and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Service Saturday, April 4, 2015 10:30 AM
Whinery-Savage Chapel
403 W. Country Club
Elk City, Oklahoma 73644

Cemetery Details
Fairlawn Cemetery
Elk City, Oklahoma 73644