Emmons, Dr. Margaret S.

Dr. Margaret S. Emmons, 86, of Iowa City, died Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from complications of a heart attack. A Memorial Service of Celebration will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Oak Room at the Oaknoll Retirement Residence, Iowa City, with the Rev. John Raab officiating. Parking will be available on Oaknoll Drive. A memorial service also will be held Thursday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Clinton, with the Rev. Dennis Glew officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Cornell College o Self Help International, Waverly, Iowa.

Margaret was born Dec. 5, 1923, in Correctionville, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Sara (Saar) Smyth. After high school in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Margaret graduated from Cornell College, 1944, and the University of Iowa College of Medicine, 1949. She served her internship at St. Louis City Hospital and her residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

She married classmate Dr. Richard O. Emmons on Sept. 1, 1947, in Fort Dodge. Margaret was an anesthesiologist, and her husband an internist, both in private practice in Clinton from 1954 until his death in 1981 and her retirement in 1986. She was respected and beloved by her patients and colleagues. Work and family activities made for busy and enjoyable times.

She was a member of the Mercy Hospital staff and also member and one time president of the Clinton County Medical Society and Jane Lamb Hospital medical staff. She worked to establish an Associate Degree Nursing program at Clinton Community College. She served on mission committees of First Congregational Church (UCC), and First United Methodist Church, both of Clinton. She was a member of the board of directors of Women's Health Services and the Alverno Healthcare Facility, both of Clinton, and Self Help International of Waverly, Iowa. She received the Clinton YWCA Women of Action recognition and was honored as a Cornell Distinguished Alumna. Margaret continued her work for missions with First United Methodist Church of Iowa City.

Margaret enjoyed biking, golf, bridge, word games, and traveling for a purpose with family and special friends, visited six continents and many countries as well as all the states. These travels and interest in geography led to supporting international development work and the creating and marketing of geography and card games.

She is survived by her children, Kathy Emmons of Pleasanton, Calif., Sally Myers of Clinton, Susan Emmons (Steve Zorbaugh) of York, Pa., and Dr. Robert Emmons (Sue) of Duxbury, Vt.; three grandchildren, Benjamin Myers, Brett Myers (Sarah) and Rachel Emmons, daughter of Susan and Steve; great-granddaughter, Ellie Myers; three nieces and several cousins.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; and in 1981, by her husband.

The family extends their appreciation to the staff and residents of Oaknoll for their loving support; to the staff of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Clinics which provided excellent care in Margaret's last hours; and to the various church communities who welcomed her as family. 

Arrangements are with Lensing Funeral Service, where you may forward online condolences to