Madge Irene Haggard, 98,  of 1119 Griswold, Carthage, Mo., passed away peacefully at St. John’s Hospital, Joplin, Missouri Sept. 1, 2008, after a short illness.

She was born to Martin Vanburen and Mary Matilda Simmons in Cabool, Mo., on Feb. 28, 1910.  She came to Carthage as a young girl and met and married the love of her life, William Franklin Haggard, June 5, 1929. He preceded her in death. 
 

To this union six children were added, Charlotte Cipolla Roe and Catherine Haggard (preceded her in death). Cecil Haggard, Lee Haggard, Nina Haggard Housh, all of Carthage, Mo., and Gary Haggard of the home survives. One brother, Elba Simmons, one sister, Elizabeth McMasters Skocdopole, preceded Madge in death.

Madge’s 12 grandchildren: Harold Underwood of Mission, Texas, (whom Madge raised) Lynn Zielinski of San Diego, Calif., Craig Cipolla of Spring, Texas, John Kevin Roe of Las Vegas, Nev, Karen Haggard Boden of Anthony, Kan., Tommy Haggard of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Lee Ann Haggard Kizzar of Fayetteville, Ark., Dr. Kelly Haggard of Springfield, Mo., Lori Housh McFerron of Neosho, Mo., Amy Housh, Dr. Tracy Housh Layman and John Housh all of Carthage Mo; 16 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren were a source of pride and joy to Madge.
 

Madge was the oldest member of the First Baptist Church of Carthage and served as president of the Naomi Sunday School class.

She worked for the Carthage School System as cook at Pleasant Valley Elementary School and for many years she worked for the families and businesses in Carthage as housekeeper.  She loved baking, cooking and gardening.  Madge will live in the hearts and lives of those she touched forever.
 

Funeral services will be held at Ulmer Funeral Home, Carthage Missouri, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2008, at 2 p.m. with visitation at 1 p.m. prior to the service.

Interment will be at Park Cemetery in Carthage, Mo.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home, Carthage, Mo.