Margaret Ann Presley

Margaret Ann Breeden Presley, 77, passed away on May 09, 2024 at Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, KS. Margaret was born on January 28, 1947 in Quinter, KS to the late Homer and Edith (Edgell) Breeden.
Margaret married John Presley on June 3, 1972 in Ottawa, Kansas. She began her career as a juvenile probation officer in Wyandotte County, Kansas in 1970. During that time, Margaret became a leading figure in the investigation of child abuse in the state of Kansas. As a member of the Kansas Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse, she played an influential role in the establishment of the Child Abuse Reporting Act. She helped train the first protective service units in SRS, as well as training a variety of other professionals and in the region. Part of the work she did with Bob Nicholson of Salina on that committee resulted in the eventual formation of CAPS. She earned a Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) in 1976. She worked in Child Psychiatry at KU Medical center and Wyandot Mental Health Center, developing innovative programs for working with parents caught in the abuse cycle. After then working in residential treatment, she became professor of Social Work at Bethany College from 1989 through 2011. She then taught at KSU Salina until her retirement in 2014.
Margaret's faith drove her passion for compassion and justice, courageously advocating as a professional and individual for the LGBTQ and minority communities. That faith led her to a variety of religious settings, with her church membership currently with Trinity United Methodist Church in Salina. She lived according to her belief that our faith is illustrated by our actions.
Margaret's greatest pleasure came from her many flower gardens which she avidly planted and maintained at all three homes in Lindsborg. Sharing the various perennials with anyone who asked gave her great joy as well.
Margaret is survived by her husband: John Presley; daughters: Cara Presley and Megan Wheeler (John) of Marion, KS; grandson Morgan Wheeler (Aubrey) and great grandson, Wyatt; siblings: Effie Smith; Paul Breeden (Cathy);
Mark Breeden (Kippy); Martie Salmans (Don); Mary Hester; and Don Kelley.
A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 901 E. Neal, Salina, with Pastor Eric Meyer officiating. The family asks that people wear bright colored clothes to celebrate Margaret's love of flowers and the colors of nature when attending the service.
In lieu of formal flower arrangements at the church, the family requests that flowers be planted in her memory. Monetary memorial donations may be given to Trinity United Methodist Church Social Ministry Committee or to
Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS). Memorials may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 North Washington St. Lindsborg, KS 67456.
For more information or to leave online condolences please visit www.crick-
christiansfuneralhome.com.