Margaret Ann Hearne

Margaret Ann Hearne, 86, of Arkansas City, Kansas went home to her Lord and Savior on February 21, 2025. 

A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, March 28, at 7:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Arkansas City, Kansas.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Shelley Family Funeral Home, in Arkansas City, Kansas. The family will hold a private burial service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Arkansas City Senior Citizen’s Center, 320 South A St, Arkansas City, KS 67005, or Arkansas City Historic Preservation Board, 118 W Central Ave, Arkansas City, KS  67005.

Margaret was born in Arkansas City, Kansas on October 16, 1938, to parents Benjamin P. and Juanita (Valencia) Olvera.  She was a lifelong resident, born, raised, lived, and died in her beloved hometown Arkansas City.  She graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1956 and later attended Cowley County Community College. She married the love of her life J. Roger Hearne, to whom one child was born.

Margaret was an excellent cook, famous for her cheese ball (whose recipe she took with her), and for preparing a whole meal when all you expected was one side dish. She was an excellent and prolific seamstress, making much of her daughter’s clothes. She enjoyed sewing for her sisters, nieces and nephews. She especially loved making Halloween costumes for her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Spencer-Ralston VFW Post 1254, Music Club, and long-time secretary-treasurer of the Arkansas City Historical Society.  She worked much of her life until retirement as a secretary for General Electric jet engine services.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Antonio “Tony” Olvera, and three sisters Sofia DiPasqua, Eva Reyez, and Gloria Williams.

Survivors include two sisters Henrietta Duran of Pretty Prairie, KS and Rachel (Roger) Olson of Topeka, KS; one daughter Melody (Brian) Ralston, one granddaughter Summer (Shawn) Davis, one grandson Devin Ralston, and four great-grandchildren Kai & Zoe Davis and Raiden & Raelyn Ralston all of Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.