Feb. 11, 1932 ~ June 11, 2022
Margaret Ann McCollum was born in Alamosa, Colorado, on Feb. 11, 1932 and passed on in Fort Collins, Colorado, on June 11, 2022. As a child she lived in many gold mining towns of Nevada, spending time in quite a few one-room schoolhouses. She graduated from high school in Ely, Nevada, and went on to Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado. During her freshman year she met and married Bob King. After graduating they moved to Mosca, Colorado, where Bob became the superintendent of schools and Margaret worked at raising her three toddlers, two daughters and one son, and also taught one girls’ P.E. class a day.
In 1961 they moved to Meeker, Colorado, where they had their youngest son, and where she taught English, girls’ P.E. and gymnastics. She taught many to write, tumble and play sports (one of her lifelong loves). She continued to play softball until her late 50s where her homeruns were the awe of many. Her students loved and trusted her as a great mentor, teacher and friend. After retiring from 30 years in public education, she and Bob moved to Grand Junction for a few years and then on to Fort Collins. While there she won a Channel 9 News award for her volunteer work with Alzheimer’s patients. Margaret also published two wonderful children’s books as well as writing a memoir of her life. She became a certified spinning instructor and taught classes up until she was almost 80 which were loved by many. She is survived by her husband Bob King; two daughters Laurie King-Billman and Kathy King-Dickman; two sons David King and Coley King; eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and brother. A memorial service (casual) will be held in Fort Collins at Dave King’s home, 7852 Vantage View Place, Fort Collins, CO, 80525, on July 9, 2022, at 1 p.m. All are welcome to come and share memories of this great woman’s life and legacy.
