Margaret Ann (Peggy) Stover

Margaret Ann (Peggy) Stover, 59, passed away September 13, 2012 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born January 13, 1953 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Carmen Adele and Joseph Earl Stover, Jr. Margaret graduated from Mt. St. Mary's Academy in 1970. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Hendrix College in 1974 and a Master of Science in Computer Systems in 1981 from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Margaret served in the U.S. Air Force from 1975 to 1986 at Bolling, Andrews, and Scott Air Force Bases, attaining the rank of Captain. She was named Junior Officer of the Year in 1978 and Officer of the Year in 1979. She subsequently worked as a government contractor for many years. Margaret received academic and civic accolades throughout her life. She was named a National Merit Finalist in 1969 and was recognized for her achievements and leadership abilities by the Little Rock Junior Chamber of Commerce as the Academic All Star of Mt. St. Mary's Academy in 1970. Community service was a way of life for Margaret, who acted on her beliefs by serving on civic committees and boards throughout her life. She was a founding member of the Fairview Heights American Disabilities Act Compliance Committee. She enjoyed participating in Toastmasters International, sang with Masterworks Chorale, and was a devoted cantor at Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Fairview Heights, Illinois. Margaret enjoyed the visual and performing arts and athleticism in many forms, traveling to national and international figure skating and gymnastics events. She was an avid NASCAR fan, ardently supporting Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. A lifelong learner, Margaret's inquisitive mind had recently turned to a study of the cultivation, culture, preparation and harmonious food pairing of tea. Margaret was predeceased by her father, Joseph Stover, and by her younger brother, John Stover. She is survived by her mother, Carmen Stover, of Little Rock; her elder brother Bryan Stover and new sister, Susan Stover, of War Eagle, Arkansas; and her nieces Naomi Hobbs and husband Sage Hobbs, of Rincon, Puerto Rico, and Elena Hampton-Stover, of Kansas City, Missouri. The family wishes to thank the compassionate and competent caregivers at Baptist Hospital Rehabilitation Institute; West Markham Sub acute and Rehabilitation Center; and especially Arkansas Hospice. Margaret was immensely generous, giving of her time, talents, and resources. She left the world a better place for having been here. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, Tyler and I Streets, Little Rock with Fr. Erik Pohlmeier, Celebrant. Rosary service will be be at 7 p.m. this evening (Friday) in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th, Little Rock (501) 661-9111. Memorials may be made to one's favorite charity. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.