Margaret Brownfield

Margaret Anne Brownfield, age 78, passed away on October 31st, 2016 in her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on December 2nd, 1937 in Amarillo, Texas, the youngest child of Jess C. and Ayme L. (Jackson) Ritter. She spent her childhood in Texas, and Texas always held a special place in her heart. Margaret graduated from both Gulf Park College for Women in Gulf Port, Mississippi and Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. After college, she returned to Amarillo, Texas, where she met Robert Knowlton Brownfield, the love of her life. They married in Amarillo on May 20th, 1961 and enjoyed 52 years of marriage before he passed away on August 12th, 2013. Margaret and Robert lived near San Francisco, California early in their marriage before moving to Moberly, Missouri in 1969. They had three children, David Knowlton, Matthew and Amy Ann, and their family grew to include five grandchildren whom Margaret adored and who adored her. While in Moberly, Margaret was active in a variety of community organizations and was a member of Coates Street Presbyterian Church. She moved to Columbia in 2014 and became a member of The Crossing church. Margaret was a life-long Christian who found opportunities to spread God’s word and bring others closer to God. Her voice and wisdom draped a sense of calm over many. Margaret was a homemaker at heart, a talented decorator, crafter and hostess who loved to cook for her family and friends. She was the epitome of Southern hospitality and always made sure the table was set perfectly and everything was in its place. She enjoyed playing bridge with her decades-long friends in Moberly and her new acquaintances in Columbia. She treasured her friendships with people she met throughout her years in Texas, Mississippi, California and Missouri and was known for her frequent hand-written notes and letters. Her organizational skills were unrivaled, and she always had a list of projects to keep her occupied. When she learned she only had a short time left, she preceded just as Margaret always did: with stoic grace and dignity she created her “to do” list and made sure every task was completed before she passed away. She is survived by her children, son David and his wife Laura and their children, Bennett Knowlton and Emily Ann of Columbia, son Matthew and his wife Deanne and his children Matthew Jess, Robert Walker and Payton Grace Ann of Moberly, and daughter Amy of Ashland. She is also survived by her brother, Keith Ritter, and her sisters-in-law Sis Ritter and Sandy Ritter, all of Amarillo, Texas, many nieces and nephews, cousins and numerous dear friends. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Allen Ritter, Billie McCoy, George Ritter, and Danny Ritter, sisters-in-law Joyce Ritter and Elmer Ritter, and brother-in-law William Nelson “Bill” McCoy. Services will be held on Saturday, November 5th at 1:30 p.m. at Pathway Funeral Home in Moberly, Missouri with interment to follow at Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will also be held on the 5th from 11:30 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to The Crossing Relief Fund, 3615 Southland Drive, Columbia, MO 65201 or the Coates Street Presbyterian Church, 601 W Coates Street, Moberly, MO 65270.