Margret M. Gjessing

Margret Gjessing, 96 years old, passed away January 2 in Granville Ohio. Margret was born August 23, 1928 in Philadelphia Mississippi to Alvis and Sadie Mayo. After graduating from what was then known as the Mississippi State College for Women, Margret became a school teacher in the Mississippi delta region of the state. There she met Raymond Gjessing who was raising cattle in this rich agricultural region.

Margret and Raymond were married 1952 and settled in New Orleans, Louisiana. Their daughter Caroline was born there. From there they moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where the couple had two sons, Christopher and David. Due to Ray’s corporate promotions, the family moved back and forth across the country. From Memphis the family moved to Denver Colorado, then to Rocky River Ohio. Next up was Wilton Connecticut, then on to Plymouth Michigan. Finally, in 1969, the Gjessings moved to Granville, which would remain Margret’s and Ray’s home for the remainder of their lives.

Margret and Ray loved Granville. In the mid-1980s they moved from the house they built in Evergreen Hills to East Elm Street downtown. They were active socially and volunteered with many local organizations. The couple traveled widely including trips to Europe, Russia, and throughout the United States. Margret remained active and involved in the community after Ray’s death in 2004. She had many friends and regular visitors.

As the matriarch to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Margret was generous with her love and counsel. Her home was the base for family gatherings and holiday celebrations. She is greatly missed.

Margret was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, daughter Caroline, and sister Mary Riffe. She is survived by sons Christopher (Jane) and David (Kristine), daughter-in-law Jody, grandchildren Kyle, Rosalind (Josh), Lauren, and Adam, great grandson Francis, step grandchildren Raven (Jose) and Maggie (Nate), and step great grandchildren Vanessa and Catalina.

The family is grateful for the companionship and care given by her friends, the Granville community, and the staff at Middleton Senior Living during her final few years.

Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM, Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Centenary United Methodist Church, 102 E. Broadway Granville, Ohio 43023 where a funeral service will begin at 11 AM Saturday.

McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Margret and her family.  Please visit www.McPeekHoekstra.com to share a special memory or to leave a message of condolence for the family.