Margaret Louise Douglas

1931 - 2021

MINNEOLA - Margaret Louise (Harshberger) Douglas, 90, of Minneola, KS went peacefully to be with the Lord as a result of heart failure on March 14, 2021 at the Minneola District Hospital. In the Spring of 2020 Margaret survived COVID-19 without a stay in the hospital.
Margaret was born February 9, 1931 in Dodge City, KS to Castle and Ruby Jones. She had no siblings, but Wesley Black of Dodge City, a cousin and close friend, was like a brother. During her high school senior year Margaret was hospitalized for weeks due to encephalitis and had to repeat the year. After graduating she attended nurses training, but didn't quite finish before getting married.
In 1952 Margaret Louise Jones married James William (J. W.) Harshberger in Dodge City, KS and shortly after moved to the farm six miles north of Minneola where she spent the rest of her life until moving to the Minneola Long Term Care Unit in 2018. Margaret had six children: Kathy, Karl, Karen, Kay, Kenneth, and Kevin. Margaret raised all six kids on the farm often working long hours driving a grain truck or doing whatever was necessary to keep the farm going.
In 1969 Margaret's husband J. W. tragically passed away leaving her with six kids at home and the huge debt of the recently purchased farm and irrigation system. Her father, Castle Jones, came and lived with the family to help operate the farm. Margaret worked night shifts for years at the Minneola District Hospital to help make ends meet and so she could attend her children's day activities. She even took her vacation to drive a truck during harvest. After nearly 30 years, she paid off the farm debt and still owns the original land purchased in 1966.
In 1985 Margaret married Jack V. Douglas from Ashland, KS. They enjoyed doing things together and working on the farm. Jack developed cancer and preceded Margaret in death in 2002. Margaret was also preceded in death by her parents, Castle Jones (1996) and Ruby Jones (2001), her first husband J. W. Harshberger (1969), and her two oldest children, Kathy Dragoo in 2006 and Karl Harshberger in 2015. Margaret is survived by children Karen Ryan of Lenexa, KS, Kay Chapin and husband Rick from Lebanon, KS, Kenneth Harshberger and wife Lisa from Meade, KS, and Kevin Harshberger and wife Janelle from Louisburg, KS.
Besides her six children, Margaret had 18 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and several great great grandchildren. This is not to mention many step grandchildren.
Margaret was a great cook and enjoyed crocheting and made afghans for most of her grandchildren and some great grandchildren. She always planted an enormous garden when her family was at home and canned thousands of jars of fruits and vegetables. Margaret was always known for being an extremely hard worker, for her stubbornness, and for speaking her mind (often embarrassing her family).
Margaret's service of life will be held at the Minneola United Methodist Church on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 2:00 PM. Attendees are requested to social distance and wear masks during the service. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City following the service. Visitation with the family present will be from 5 to 7 PM on Tuesday, March 16th at Minnis Mortuary in Minneola, KS.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to the Minneola Long Term Care through Minnis Mortuary, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, KS 67801. Condolences may be sent to www.minnismortuary.net
The family would like to thank both the Minneola District Hospital and Minneola Long Term Care for the excellent care Margaret received over the last several years.