Margaret Belle Ashes

Margaret Belle Ashes, 84, of Porum, Oklahoma, gently departed from this life on Friday, March 6, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Muskogee. Born on December 28, 1941, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was the beloved daughter of Joseph Ashes and Pauline (Rattler) Ashes Walker.

Margaret was a dedicated educator, teaching the Cherokee Language at Checotah Public School through the Johnson O'Malley initiative. Her compassion and commitment extended beyond the classroom, as she also served as a nurse's aide in local nursing homes. A devoted member of her community, she was actively involved as a Bible school and Sunday school teacher at Faith Temple and participated in mission work in Haiti, embodying her faith through service.

Margaret is survived by her sisters, Leona Wildcat of Porum and Joncie Birdtail and husband Henry; her brother-in-law, David Francis of Eufaula; and her cherished nieces and nephews, Gary Estep, June Fine & husband Roger, Mark Estep and Jason Estep and wife Kim, Anthony Wildcat and wife Mamie, Luman Wildcat Jr., Melissa Wildcat, Jonathan Wildcat & wife Mary, Raelene WIldcat Williams and husband Will, Rhonda Oliveira and husband Antonio, Frederick J. Francis and wife Malissa, Aurelia Joy Francis, Robert Birdtail and wife Jammie Terrill Anderson and numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Pauline Ashes; infant sisters Priscilla and Clarissa Ashes; sisters Josephine Francis and Irene Estep; brother, Ernest Ashes and nephews Randy Estep, Michael Estep, Joseph Francis, Jerrell Birdtail and Derek Birdtail.

A celebration of Margaret's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Porum, Oklahoma with Henry Birdtail officiating. Margaret's legacy of love, teaching, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.