Margaret "Margie" Hamrick

Margaret Jean Ruppe Hamrick, 83, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025. Marge is survived by her loving daughters, Crystal Laughter (with her partner, Scott Green) and Candy Pyatt (with her husband, Danny Pyatt); her brother, David Ruppe; her grandchildren, Breezie Pyatt (and her husband, James Occhuizzo), Preston Pyatt (and his wife, Victoria Pyatt), and Luke Laughter; and her first great-grandchild, Henley Pyatt. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Max Hamrick; her parents, Ruby Wright Ruppe Peace and James Avant Ruppe; and her brother, Roger Ruppe.
Born on December 4, 1941, in Spindale, North Carolina, Marge was cheerful and full of light as a young girl, and she remained that way all her life. Her warmth and charm drew people to her naturally-including her neighbor and future husband, Max Hamrick.
As a teenager, Marge faced profound loss when a fire destroyed her childhood home, twice. Nearly everything was lost-except for a small spinning wheel, a cherished family heirloom that remarkably survived its second fire. Marge often reflected on that experience as a turning point in her life, shaping her resilience and perspective. She even found humor in it years later, recalling how Max had tried to lift her spirits afterward by playing music-cleaverly choosing Clarence 'Frogman' Henry's "I Ain't Got No Home."
Marge attended RS Central High School and went on to complete two years of business college. In 1962, she married Max, and together they built both a life and a legacy-owning and operating several successful businesses. Their unwavering love and partnership were not only the foundation of their success, but also a source of inspiration to those around them.
Curious and joyful by nature, Marge loved learning and exploring the world through books. Her home was filled with volumes that reflected her wide-ranging interests-from the mysteries of the solar system to novels that stirred her imagination. Music also brought her great joy. Her tastes were broad, and she cherished any song that moved her heart-or made her want to dance.
Above all else, Marge loved people. She adored her daughters and embraced the role of grandmother with grace and enthusiasm, quickly earning the title of "greatest grandmother ever." Her love knew no bounds. She was always present, always supportive, and always ready to listen.
To Marge, strangers were simply friends she hadn't met yet. She approached everyone with genuine curiosity and kindness, and she never forgot the stories they shared with her. If someone took the time to know her in return, they might be lucky enough to hear her own stories-including the one about the little spinning wheel that still stood proudly in her home.
Marge lived a life full of love, laughter, and generosity of spirit. Her family will forever cherish her warm hugs, her boundless heart, and her reminder that she loved them all "to the moon and stars and back." Just as she lovingly held on to the stories of others, her story will be held dear by all who knew and loved her.
A celebration of life will be 11 AM Saturday July 19, 2025 at Spindale United Methodist Church with Rev. Eric Marshburn officiating.