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Life story

" Margy Dean Stair, age 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 2, 2026, in Culpeper, Virginia. She was born on February 29, 1944, in Missouri, the only daughter of Lena Bonadean Roark (Archer) and James Eugene Gilbert Roark.

Margy graduated from Anderson High School in Anderson, Missouri, before attending Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, where she pledged Tri Sigma. From an early age, she was adventurous and talented, competing in barrel racing on the rodeo circuit with her father and participating in dance, band, and many other activities. She loved floating on the river, treasured time with her extended family, and carried those close connections throughout her life.

In 1964, Margy married her high school sweetheart, Sammy Dean Stair. Their life together was shaped by Sam’s Navy career, which took them to many places and introduced them to lifelong friends. They began their family in Pensacola, Florida, with the birth of their first child, Ginger Lynn, and then moved to Providence, Rhode Island, where they welcomed Samantha Lea. After a tour in Key West, Florida, they moved to Monterey, California, where their youngest child, Elizabeth Kirsten, was born. Their journey continued through San Diego, California; the Washington, DC area; Corpus Christi, Texas; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Belleville, Illinois. Following Sam’s retirement, they made their home in Austin, Texas.

Margy was stylish and sassy, quick-witted, intelligent, and very funny. People naturally sought her counsel, valuing her wisdom, honesty, and insight. She was deeply devoted to her family and found immense joy in being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Babies held a special place in her heart, and she delighted in the large and loving family that grew around her.

Professionally, Margy built a successful career in mortgage lending, ultimately founding Loan Star Mortgage. Using her depth of knowledge of the mortgage industry and her understanding of her clients' unique needs, Margy worked with multiple lenders to ensure the best fit. Her leadership and expertise earned her numerous awards and recognitions before she retired in the early 2000s, but it was the relationships that she developed that were her real motivation.

In retirement, Margy continued to cultivate friendships old and new, travel with loved ones, and return often to Missouri and Virginia—places that always felt like home. Never content to slow down, she became active in the P.E.O. Sisterhood, serving in leadership roles and attending events and conventions with her sorority sisters. She was also involved in the Newcomers organization in Austin and enjoyed regular games of Mahjong and Canasta. Creative and talented, Margy loved crafts and watercolor painting and painted an annual Christmas card for several years, sharing her artistry with friends and family.

Margy was strong in her faith and found God both in and beyond the walls of church—seeing His presence in the beauty of nature, the depth of friendships, and the love that surrounded her throughout her life.

Margy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sam Stair; her brother, Johnny Mike Roark; her great-granddaughter; several cousins; and many dear friends.

She is survived by her husband, Sherman Hodes; her children, Ginger and Scott Anderegg, Bill Garvey, Laura and Michael Hodes, Samantha and Brent Wilson, and Liz and John Jenkins; her grandchildren, Nicki Garvey, Kathryn Cooke, Christopher Wilson, Rachael Edelman, Sam Garvey, Tyler Wilson, Cassandra Garvey, Landry Jenkins, Amanda Hodges, Johnny Jenkins, Eric Wilson, and Easton Jenkins; many great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will miss her deeply.

A celebration of Margy’s life will be held at a later date.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Peace Community Church in Margy’s honor. Website link -> https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/S6LVS3NA4G3F6

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to her daughter, Ginger Anderegg, at 2415 Grove Ave, Richmond, VA 23220.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.”

— Numbers 6:24–26

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