Margaret L (Bright) Vestal

Margaret Lea (Bright) Vestal passed away on Thursday, March 12, surrounded by her loving children Steve and Pam.

Born on February 8, 1934, in Hale, Kansas, to John and Lola (Hughe) Bright, Margaret grew up attending school in Elk City, Kansas. On October 22, 1950, she married George “Bud” Vestal in Elk City, and together they raised two children, Pamela Susan and Stephen Hugh.

Margaret was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker whose strong work ethic and loving heart defined her. She was truly her husband’s partner in every sense—working alongside him in farming, baling hay, building farm structures, repairing equipment, and tending their large garden. She took special pride in canning and preparing nourishing meals for her family, creating a home filled with care and steadfast support. She was a longtime member of the First Christian Church in Elk City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lola Bright; her brothers, Russel (Norma) Bright, Wilber (Lela) Bright, and Williard Bright; and her sisters, Treva Lea (infant), Claudine (Francis) Wells, and Twila (James) Morris. Margaret is survived by her children, Pam (Bob) McKenzie of Independence and Steve (Teresa) Vestal of Independence; her sister-in-law Sara Bright of Independence; five grandchildren, Jeremy (Carol) Vestal of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Jason McKenzie of Independence, Angie (Drew) Achong of Independence, and Mandy (Chris) Cook of Fort Scott, Kansas; one step-grandson, Justin Cunningham of Kansas City, Missouri; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Her legacy of hard work, partnership, and unwavering love for her family will be cherished and remembered always.