Margie Nell Tucker

Margie Nell Bartsch Tucker was born to Mary and Matthew Bartsch on August 28th, 1934. Being the eldest sister to seven siblings, she came by her nurturing manner and passion for taking care of others naturally. Margie graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Rockne in 1952. After high school, she worked several secretarial jobs in Austin and Bastrop. She met Dan Tucker at a local dancehall and he quickly became the love of her life. They were married on February 13,1954.  She spent the next chapter of her life raising the second loves of her life: Ricky, David, Ronnie, Timothy, and Gary. 

She raised all five of her sons to be kind souls, following her and Dan’s lead to be hard workers and gentle with their words. Her loving home provided meals cooked with love, an annual garden producing plenty of canned goods, and a yard full of beautiful flowers. Her family was her pride and joy and it was evident in everything she did. After being a home-maker and supporting her boys through school, Margie went to work for Bastrop ISD and retired there in 1997, after dedicating 24 years of service as the secretary to the Special Education department. 

Margie and Dan had several close friends that they enjoyed traveling with and making cherished memories. Margie was a life-long member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rockne.  In her later years, she assisted with the beautification of the prayer garden and church flowers.

Lovingly referred to as Granny by most who knew her, she was a devout Christian and always put her faith and family first. Granny could cure any ailment or broken heart with a hug at the door, a fresh cooked meal such as her meatloaf or roast, garden fresh fried okra, her coconut cream pie, and a glass of her sweet tea! For many years, she cooked Sunday morning breakfast for the entire family, then prepared a Sunday lunch, and spent her Sunday afternoons surrounded by her siblings at Mama Bartsch’s house. 

Margie shared her homemaking skills with her children and grandchildren, ensuring they knew how to cook a home-made meal, plant and raise a garden, keep a beautifully manicured yard, and use “elbow grease” to guarantee a spic and span clean home. Granny’s house had a distinct smell, one that brought a sense of home and security filled with warmth and love. Granny’s yard and home at Christmas time sparkled with vibrant decorations - the more, the better.  A picture of her decorated back porch was once featured in Better Homes and Gardens and she was so proud of that. She loved taking the annual family camping trip to Sulphur Springs Fishing Camp in Bend, where she created life-long memories with her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren.

Her 89 years on this earth were a true testament to her Catholic faith.  God and family were her priority. The prayer book she kept on the end table in the living room was tattered and torn from use - a testament to her daily prayer life. Her greatest joy was seeing her boys, daughters-in-law and grandchildren happy and well-fed. Her greatest legacy is the way she modeled Jesus-like kindness and a family whose faith was always made stronger by watching and following her example. Her open door meant you may have entered as a guest, but you left as family with a full belly. 

As she entered into heaven’s light, we can only imagine the beautiful reunion she had with Papa Dan. Margie and Dan shared 62 wonderful years together and created a long line of love. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dan; siblings Alan, Nellene, Esther, and Kenneth; and brother-in-law, Tommy Townsend.   She is survived by her five sons and three daughters-in-law: Ricky, David (Karen), Ronnie (Brenda), Timothy (Lisa), and Gary; 18 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren; and siblings, sisters-in law, and brothers-in law: Lester (Olivia) Bartsch, Ernest (Dean) Bartsch, Mary Ann Townsend, Mary Gail Bartsch, Jake Frerich, and Leroy Seidel. 

She was truly one of a kind, and made this world a more beautiful place. As her family carries on her legacy, she will be greatly missed.