1934-2026
Margaret Irene Symns, 91, was born on November 1, 1934, on her family’s farm in Turon, Kansas, to Logan Homer and Doris (Nelson) Sanford and passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, at Kenwood Plaza in St. John, Kansas.
Margaret spent the majority of her life in Stafford County, for a brief period during World War II, she also lived in Oakridge, Tennessee.
A talented and accomplished pianist, Margaret’s lifelong love affair with music began at the tender age of six and spanned over eight decades, until the age of ninety. Her passion for music was a constant presence in her life and a gift to those around her, especially as the church pianist at the First Baptist Church of St. John—a congregation she was a devoted member of throughout her years.
Her commitment to service extended beyond her church as she took on active roles in organizations meaningful to her. Margaret was a dedicated and respected member of both the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Order of the Eastern Star.
Professionally, Margaret contributed to her community by working as the medical secretary for Dr. Quakenbush and did clerical work for other agencies.
On March 25, 1951, she married Russell Fox, to this union Rodney, Randy, Jenny and Mary were born. They later divorced. On December 17, 1966, she married Elmer Ferguson, welcoming three step-children into her life. Elmer passed away July 29, 1982. On June 6, 1983, she found companionship again in marriage to William “Bill” F. Symns, with whom she shared many happy years until his passing in September 2024.
She is survived by her children: two sons Randall "Randy" Fox and Rodney Fox, both of St. John, daughter Mary (Danny) Gatton, Stafford, KS; step-daughter Carol (Merlin) Hartsell, Pratt, KS; a sister Bonnie Williamson, Wichita, KS; 7 grandchildren: Lori (Kenny) Reneau, Brian Fox, Rebecca (Aurelio) Adame, Kayli Kisner, Kristin (Steve) Petty, Casey Gatton, and Emily (Allan) Moore, 12 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Jenny Newell; step-sons Melvin Ferguson and Bud Ferguson; sister Corrine Christman; and grandsons Cody Gatton and Michael Shelton.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Minnis Chapel in St. John, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. A Celebration of Life service will be on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Minnis Chapel, St. John. Interment will be at the Stafford Cemetery in Stafford, Kansas.
Memorials may be made to Interim Hospice in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 34, St. John, KS. Online condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.net
Interment Funeral
