Margaret Jane Ashford Barrett, 100, died March 5, 2005, at Summerhill Retirement Home. Margaret was born in Wichita, Kan., June 19, 1904, to George Anson and Jessica Louise (Bringham) Vestal. She spent much of her early life in Wichita.

Margaret was married to Spencer Winfield Ashford in 1925. She and Spencer moved to Phoenix for a time and then on to Los Angeles. In 1930, they moved to Seattle for a short time and then returned to Los Angeles. Margaret and Spencer had one daughter, Mary Jane. Margaret was a survivor of the Great Depression.

Margaret’s marriage to Spencer ended in divorce and she remained in the Los Angeles area. She moved and worked at Phoenix Country Club for three years and her daughter attended St. Mary’s Boarding School. She worked as a secretary for various companies after returning to Los Angeles. She learned many things during her life, including how to fly an airplane.

In Los Angeles 20 years later she married Clifford Barrett. They enjoyed traveling together. Margaret also taught herself how to make money in real estate and other investments. She was also an active member of many community organizations and clubs in Los Angeles and was a member of the Congregational Church.

Clifford Barret died and Margaret moved to Seattle in 1990 to be near her daughter. She spent 10 years in Seattle and in 2000, moved to Oak Harbor. Summer Hill Retirement Home became her residence. Margaret truly loved Summer Hill.

Margaret is survived by her daughter Mary J. Ashford Todd and her husband Harold of Oak Harbor and by four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside funeral services for the family will be held at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Memorial services for family and friends were held March 11 at Summer Hill Retirement Home with Rev. Fred Renfroe officiating.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.