Margaret Jean Ihlo

Margaret Jean (Buddy) Bounds Ihlo died at Lakeside Village Assisted Living on October 27, 2025. Margaret was born January 19, 1936, at home in the Clever Creek Community of Shelby County, Texas, to Walter Morris and Zephie Inez (Johnyne) (Phillips) Bounds. She married George W. Ihlo in 1954.
Margaret and her family moved "to town" when she was six and she lived most of her life here in Center. She was a 1953 graduate of Center High School. Margaret was a member of Preceptor Upsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, for over 50 years and served in almost every officer position.
Margaret's first job was at Perry Bros Five & Dime when she was 14. She worked as a medical technician and bookkeeper for several medical offices in Center. She worked the last 30 years of her career as bookkeeper at the dental offices of Dr. Rodgers and then Dr. Danny Paul Windham. She reluctantly retired at age 70, due to her declining eyesight.
There was very little Margaret couldn't do if she set her mind to it. Over the years, she took pottery classes, painted, and held frequent yard sales!
Margaret grew up in the First Baptist Church but joined the United Methodist Church when she and George married. She was a devoted member of the church, serving on the Board of Trustees, teaching Sunday school and Bible School, and singing in the choir. She was renowned for her decorating skills and frequently helped decorate the church for weddings and other events. She was one of several women at the church who, many years ago, made Chrismon ornaments that are still used every Advent.
Margaret is survived by her three children: Jen Ihlo (Ella), Meg Heffernan, and Billy Ihlo (Lourie); four grandchildren – Catherine Lane (Wardlow), Howell Mallory (Becky), Clay Ihlo (Heather), and Hillary Campbell (Josh); and seven great grandchildren – David Vazquez, Mollie Moore, Parker Mallory, Levi Mallory, Liam Ihlo, Avery Ihlo and Garrett Campbell. She is also survived by her brother, Buster Bounds (Carolyn), and many, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Margaret was predeceased by her husband, George; parents, Morris and Johnyne Bounds; and sister, Laura Bounds Phelps Rainbolt.
The family would especially like to thank Kaye Powell and the entire staff at Lakeside Village Assisted Living for the care and love they gave Mom. We also thank Heart to Heart Hospice Care.
Pallbearers will be Howell Mallory, Clay Ihlo, Wardlow Lane, Josh Campbell, David Vazquez, Roy Blackshear, and Kirk Richardson. Honorary pallbearers will be her great grandchildren.