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VILES, MARGE MARGE VILES passed away on September 10, 2014 at Kingston Residence. Marge was born April 24, 1918, in Rowena, Texas, the eighth of nine children. She spent her childhood and teen years in Gallup, NM where she met and married James McDonald who was working on the road crew paving Route 66. After following road construction for several years, they settled in the Tesuque valley in 1941. They attended First Baptist Church of Santa Fe where Marge has been a member for 73 years. James died in a tragic accident in 1957. Marge later married Carl Viles. Marge took advantage of St John's College where she completed the Great Books curriculum. She was very active in garden club. She exhibited in both horticulture and creative classes in flower shows locally and state wide where she won numerous trophies and awards. Her arrangements were also featured in the official Garden Club calendar, Visons of Beauty. While attending the International Garden Club Convention in South Africa, Marge achieved the level of International Flower Show Judge. She became skilled in Ikebana Japanese arranging and taught that artistic style all over New Mexico. Evolving from her skills as a horticulturist and her flare for design, she began her own landscape business, Designs for Living. She was a charter member of the New Mexico Governor's Mansion Foundation, chairing the landscape committee for many years. Much of her work is still evident at the Governor's Mansion. Marge designed the initial landscaping for First Baptist Church on Old Pecos Trail as well as chairing the floral committee. For over 25 years, each Sunday, she provided floral arrangements for the sanctuary. Her Christmas decorations for the church are still remembered with admiration. Marge Viles is survived by daughter, Dorothy Smoker; stepdaughters, Sharon Hendrickson and husband Taylor, Carol Roberts and husband Dave; grandchildren, Sandra Snow and husband Matt, Jay Thompson and wife Jennifer, James Thompson and wife Dawn, Debbie Siler, Jacque Siler, Rollie Siler III, Glenda Miller and husband Denis, Richard Roberts; numerous great and great-great-grandchildren. The family feels especially blessed to have enjoyed 14 years with 5 generations. In lieu of flowers gifts may be given in Marge Viles name to Landscape project First Baptist Church in Santa Fe, the New Mexico Governor's Mansion Foundation or the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, September 22, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Santa Fe with Pastor Lee Herring officiating.
        Published on: Fri September 19, 2014