Margaret Ann Bolding

Margaret Ann Houston Bolding, beloved matriarch of the Dempsey Bolding family, from Abilene, formerly of Stamford, passed away on November 7, 2021, at Hendrick Hospice. Funeral services will be 2:00PM Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Stamford with Rev. John Erwin officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home. Margaret was born June 5, 1935, in Stamford, Texas to Maggie and Olin Houston. She grew up on the family farm in the Paint Creek community, where a strong appreciation of her Scottish heritage and values was instilled. In 1953, she graduated from Paint Creek High School, where she participated in sixgirl basketball and earned her FHA state degree in Home Economics. After high school, she attended Draughon’s Business College and became what she liked to call “a businessperson.” Margaret worked for Service Pipeline Oil Company, Upshaw and Upshaw Insurance, Stamford Electric Coop, Tri-County Education Coop and several other businesses in Stamford. In 1987, she graduated from McMurry College with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She ended her career teaching students with visual impairments for Tri County. Margaret was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church where she served on several committees. She was also a member and past president of the Stamford Pierian Club and the Stamford Ladies’ Investment Club. She married Dempsey Bolding on July 10, 1955. The two enjoyed many adventures together - traveling, camping, boating, playing bridge, watching sports, remodeling, and enjoying children’s activities and family gatherings. Margaret lived life to the fullest. As a true Gemini she wasn’t afraid to change her mind. She made things more beautiful with her decorating and sewing. Shopping was a favorite activity, and she was a pro at sniffing out a bargain and pinching a penny. Playing cards was a passion, and she frequently held feet to the fire to follow the rules. Margaret loved a good romance - in a book, on the Hallmark channel, and in real life. The times she enjoyed most were with her family. She liked it best when everyone was together. Family members have fond memories of her chicken-fried steak, peach cobbler, jello salad, and pies. Her wonderful laugh will be greatly missed. Margaret was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, Dempsey Bolding, parents Olin and Maggie Houston, sisters Clothilde (Morris) Hughes and Peggy (Dean) Phillips, brother Lester (Retha Mae) Ivy, her Bolding brothers and sisters, and granddaughter Eleanor Bolding. Beloved by family and friends, Margaret is survived by son Brent Bolding and wife Chris of Dallas, daughters Tamara McGaughey and husband Jodie of Abilene and Kara Bolding of Dallas, grandchildren Reid and Christine McGaughey of Austin, Tembri and Christopher Semon of Pflugerville, Carson Bolding of Philadelphia PA, and Spencer Bolding of Chicago IL, great-grandsons Calvin and Nate Semon and John Huu McGaughey, and several nieces and nephews. She treasured the friendships of many precious ladies, including her Thursday card group and her Widows card group. Memorials in Margaret’s honor may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church of Stamford, TX or the OK2BX Foundation at www.ok2bx.org .