Margaret Middleton

1919 - 2018

MIDDLETON, Margaret Jane (Fulton) Margaret Middleton died peacefully on November 15, 2018, after an amazing 99 years. She was the devoted wife of Robert Henry "Bob" Middleton. They were married for almost 70 years. She was also a wonderful mother, always supportive of her three children, Kent Middleton, Barbara Farnum, and Jane Fuchs.
Margaret was born on October 17, 1919, in Cleburne, Texas. Three months later, her family moved to Waxahachie, where she grew up with two older brothers, John and George. Her devoted parents were John Benton Fulton, a railroad engineer, and Jane Ridens (Smith) Fulton, a full-time homemaker and mother.
In 1941, Margaret graduated from North Texas State Teachers College (now University of North Texas) in Denton, majoring in home economics. She was selected for Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.
After graduating, she taught home economics for a year in Decatur, Texas.
While a sophomore in high school, she began dating Bob. Both played in the school band. While Bob attended Baylor University, their relationship continued, and they married on September 20, 1942.
During World War II, Margaret followed Bob, who was a Navy officer escorting convoys between New York City and Guantanamo, Cuba. During much of this time, she worked in the library at Columbia University.
After the war, Margaret and Bob moved to Dallas and then in 1951 to Lubbock, where Bob began a career with Cornell Oil Company. In 1957, the company moved to Dallas, and so did they, living there for 51 years before moving to Austin in 2008. In Austin, they enjoyed time at The Summit at Westlake, and after Bob's death in 2012, Margaret enjoyed living at Atria at the Arboretum.
Margaret always showed love for her children, her grand-children, and great-grandchildren. She always welcomed visits with them, shared in their activities, and loved taking pictures of them. When her grandchildren graduated from high school, she gave them photo albums covering their lives.
Margaret was also active in her Presbyterian church and community. She was President of the Women of the Church for a year and became the second woman Elder in 1966.
Margaret and Bob showed concern for people facing difficulties in various ways. They donated generously to several charities, participated in an organization aiding marginalized youth, supported work for fair housing, and were members of a group aiming to improve race relations through personal connections.
Margaret loved to cook, and every meal was a high priority. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends and actively collected recipes. For her 80th birthday, her children produced a book of family favorites.
In 1969, Margaret and Bob built a second house on Lake Tawakoni, east of Dallas. There they enjoyed many good and happy times with friends and family members.
They lived life to the fullest, enjoying symphony and theater performances and taking many trips within and outside the U.S.
Margaret was a very sociable person and throughout her life was an outstanding example of someone who makes new friends but keeps the old. Her enthusiasm for life, energy, and positive attitude were always evident, especially through her smile.
Margaret is survived by her three children: R. Kent Middleton and wife Karol of Austin; Barbara M. Farnum and husband Bill of Tyler; and Jane M. Fuchs and husband Fred of Austin.
She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Irene Middleton and husband Richard Huzzey; Helen Fekete and husband Steve; Sharon Farnum and special friend John Marsh; Brett Farnum and wife Heather; Jake Farnum and wife Christy; Eric Fuchs and wife Jenny; Daniel Fuchs and wife Erin; and Josh Fuchs and wife Rachael.
Last but hardly least, she is survived by ten great-grandchildren.
The family greatly appreciates the love of her caregivers during the last four years.
A memorial service celebrating Margaret's life will be held in Austin on Saturday, January 5, at 1:00 in Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, 7050 Village Center Dr.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice; the Dallas Children's Theater (5938 Skillman St., Dallas, 75231); Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services (5920 W. William Cannnon Dr., Bldg. 3, Suite 100, Austin, 78749); or Hospice Austin (4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin, 78759).