Obituary of Margo Charlene Elvin

Margo was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She left this world on November 25th, 2023, at 81.

Margo’s life began on February 8th, 1942, in Denver, CO. She was born to James (Dani) Montgomery and Thresea Mistos. She was raised in Colorado with the help of Irma and Harry Clements, and honorary sister Jodi Yaegar and Uncle John Noriega. Her uncle, John, was a teacher and was a huge influence in Margo’s life.

In 1959, she headed off to the world’s smallest town, Lamoni, IA where she attended Graceland College. While at Graceland she was the first president of the Solah House and a member of the home economics club and K-Alpha. After graduating with her from Graceland College with an Associate’s Degree in Art, Margo got her Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Masters in Training Development and graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota. She co-authored several publications on education.  

At the age of 19, she met James Elvin. Little did she know at the time he would be the love of her life for 65 years. Jim asked Margo out a couple of different times, but she was a very busy woman. But Jim persisted and she told him to “Ask me on a date on a day I am not busy wouldn’t ya” After two years of dating, they got married on May 31st, 1963.

Over the next few years, Jim and Margo went on to welcome 3 children to complete their family of 5. Nicole in 1968, David in 1969, and Chad in 1974. Margo worked as a teacher for 3 years and then because of her passion for art & design she opened and operated her company Riverside Design for several years.

Margo was dealt a difficult hand but anyone who knew her would know that she took it all with grace. She was a strong and determined survivor. No matter what life threw at her, whether it was a brain tumor, broken bones, breast cancer, lymphedema, etc. she rarely ever complained, and she fought and beat it.

She spent the last 81 years of her life doing the many things she loved collecting recipes, arts & crafts, cooking, bingo, couponing, traveling the world with her husband, and watching game shows. Margo accomplished and overcame many things throughout her life. In her more recent years, she relished in her role as “Grammy” to Bailey, Nathan, Piper and Ryder Green.

Margo is survived by her loving husband Jim; daughter, Nicole (Scott) Green; sons David (Colleen) Elvin and Chad Elvin; Grandchildren Bailey Green, Nathan Green, Piper Green, Ryder Green, Zach (Ashley) Savage and Kayla (Andy) Rudek and their two kids Owen and Collin and her brother, James (Reta) Montgomery.