Residents’
Review
August 2020
Volume 33,
Issue 8
Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility is an affiliate of CMH, Bolivar, Mo., 417-326-6000
Facility Location: 1218 W. Locust St., Bolivar, MO 65613, 417-326-7648
Margaret Best
R e s i d e n t o f t h e M o n t h
Margaret Best was born July 27, 1943, to Norman and Sarah Best in Washington D.C.
Margaret is the third youngest to her seven siblings Mary, Norman, Betty, Jimmy, Jerry,
Jean and Linda, her last living sibling. Margaret’s mother was a housewife while raising
their eight children. Her father was a World War II Veteran and also worked at Glen Echo
Amusement Park manning the rollercoaster. Margaret has some wonderful memories of visiting
the park and riding many rides because her dad would bring home free tickets.
Margaret went to school in Washington D.C. and graduated 8 th grade from Stuart Jr.
High. She began working for the post office at the age of 14 to help make money to support
her large family. “We had lots of chores due to the size of our family. We spent many hours
washing clothes, ironing, and cleaning the house. Even though I had so many siblings, we
all stuck up for one another. If one of us was in trouble, we all took the punishment,” said
Margaret.
“I remember having many family cookouts throughout the years and father cooked most of their delicious
meals. Cookouts were always so much fun. Father would make one large birthday cake once a year to celebrate all
of their children’s birthdays. He made it eight layers to represent each one of us kids and served it with ice
cream,” said Margaret.
Margaret married Charles Stephens and they were married for 10 years. She gave birth to two healthy boys,
Ronnie and Curtis which was the highlight of her life. She was able to stay home with the boys until they went to
school so they never had to go to a babysitter. She is a very proud grandmother of five.
Several years later, she married Robert Wishard. The couple were married five years before he passed away in
a house fire. After Robert’s death, she moved to Maryland. While in Maryland, she became very sick so her son,
Ronnie, picked her up and took her to Oklahoma to live. One of her favorite memories with Ronnie was moving
from Washington D.C. to Oklahoma in one trip. It took them many hours to get there, and they only stopped to do
a little sight-seeing and shop at antique stores - which was one of her favorite things to do.
Margaret attended trade school to obtain her beautician license and also obtained her certification to become a
nurse’s aide. Along with working for the post office, she worked as a bartender. She also worked for the Department
of Social Services, and then as a nursing assistant in Home Health and a beautician in a nursing home. She
has always loved to paint ceramics, color pictures, shop antique stores and dance. Square dancing and dancing to
50’s music was her favorite.
When asked about any memorable moments in her life, she quickly said, “Yes, I was the 2018 CMHCF pageant
Queen! I loved representing the facility as I wore the crown and sash to Springfield, Missouri to compete in
the MHCA Ms. Nursing Home Pageant. I loved getting dressed up and meeting all of the other ladies.”
Margaret joined our CMHCF family in October of 2017. Her favorite thing about living here are all of the fun
activities. There is always something to do and it helps take things off her mind by having fun. She enjoys playing
Bingo, attending music events and tea parties. She also enjoys helping others, making them feel special and sharing
laughs with everyone. Congratulations, Margaret on being chosen as CMHCF’s resident of the month.
Are you a caring individual who would like to assist in caring for the elderly?
Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility has opportunities in its volunteer and nursing program.
For more information call Jeff Miller, administrator, at 417-326-7648.