4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
HERRLE, MARGARET BAILEY
For Mom
A true beam of light, Margaret Bailey Herrle, passed away on June 3, 2020. Her golden spirit dances on in her husband and best friend, Richard, her sons Dan and Nick, and her daughter, Stacey. Born in a family of eight, she will also be survived by brothers, Bill, Jim and Tom, and sisters, Mary, Patricia, Kathleen and Eleanor.
Margaret was born December 30, 1959 to parents, William and Mary Bailey in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This is where she met the love of her life, Richard, at South Hills Country Club. She was a new waitress and he was a cook. The moment she laid eyes on him for the first time, she stated confidently in pure Margaret fashion, “I’m going to marry that guy one day.” Margaret always knew what she wanted, and she had the fiery drive to go get it. She was a believer and a dreamer.
She stuck to her word and married her partner in crime, Rick, on October 6, 1984. She then began her adventure of marriage and motherhood. She carried her tough as nails “Pittsburgh” personality throughout her entire life and carried her love and passion for Pittsburgh sports with her even when moving to Phoenix, Arizona in 1986. She lived by the mantra, “On ice or grass, Pittsburgh will kick your ass” and she bled black and gold. Margaret will forever be an honorary Pittsburgh Penguin, Steeler, and Pirate.
Margaret made the world a better place just by being herself. Her truly one-of-a-kind person and big heart will be greatly missed. She was a teacher of life– of embracing positivity and appreciating the simple things. With these pillars, she lived life to the fullest. She was an advocate for authenticity and a natural born entertainer and comedian. There wasn’t one room that didn’t light up when Margaret walked in. She was the funniest person without trying. Everything about her was a trademark. Her laugh that wouldn’t stop, that no one wanted to.
Her passion was to make others happy starting with her kids. She lived her life for them, to see them smile. She loved being a part of everything her kids were doing. Their friends were her best friends too. Margaret was the most fun-loving, charismatic mother. She was childlike and playful. She loved playing games like Pokemon, LegoRacers, and Woofaball with the kids and would get so competitive herself throughout the battles, races, and games. She was an epic storyteller and she turned even the simplest things into creative games for her kids– from the way she taught them to plant roses to building skate ramps out of anything she could find in the yard to various pool activities in the summer. Her imagination never stopped running. Her children’s friends never left her house with an empty stomach. She loved cooking and baking homemade meals and desserts from her famous “Fannie Farmer” cookbook. “Chicken and Peas,” Griddlecakes, and Oatmeal Chocolate-Chip Cookies were just a few of her classics. “You want another cookie?” was a staple in the Herrle household.
Margaret was a beautiful, multi-faceted artist. Her favorite hobbies were anything to do with music– dancing, singing, playing piano and guitar, painting flowers, drawing dragons and Pokemon characters. She also had a true talent and passion for writing whether it was a piece of poetry or a heartfelt note in a card to a relative. She enjoyed photography too and taking pictures on her old school film camera. She appreciated and embraced creativity every chance she could. It’s what made her happy.
She loved her rose garden and had the prettiest flowers on the block. She also loved animals. She had a dog and two cats that meant everything to her. Her grand fur-kid Ruarc, and fur-kids, Silver and Bentley, will miss her warmth every day.
On the basketball court, she was known as “Boom-Boom Bailey.” At home, with family, she was lovingly known as “Moose” and “MooMoo.” To her love, Richard, she was known as Bebe.
Knowing Margaret was a gift. She had the most giving heart and a beautiful memory. Even if you met her once, you were blessed, because she cared for everyone instantly and remembered you. Her heart never ran out of room. She was strong and never did anything half-ass. She inspired everyone she met to be better, to give more, and to smile at life more. That driving force of light and happiness will only continue from her legacy.
Please join in celebrating Margaret’s life with beloved family and friends. Her Rosary will be held at 2:30 P.M. with a Visitation held from 3:00 – 4:00 P.M. on Friday, June 12, 2020, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix. Condolences and Hugs From Home may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Her light will never stop shining.
We love you, Margaret.
Dear Rick, Dan, Nick, and Stacey,
I am so very sorry about Margaret’s passing. She was one of a kind! Please know you are all in our prayers here in Pittsburgh.
Margaret Myron and Family
Beautiful obituary….when I first heard of Margaret’s passing, a memory of her singing Muskrat Love came to me…my sympathy to Rick and the family…
You are all in my heart and prayers. I send all my love. May God hold Margaret n the palm of his hand. She will be forever in our hearts and you are in her heart too. She was proud of all of you. Love, Aunt Mary
Rick, Dan, Nick, and Stacey, I am so glad that I got to be a part of Margaret’s life and of your family. Ed and I so enjoyed our visits, both here in Virginia, in Arizona, and in Pittsburgh. Your obituary was absolutely beautiful and right on target. You were the most important part of Margaret’s life. Losing someone you love is heartbreaking, and you will always miss her. But your wonderful memories will sustain you, and you will find peace. Know that she is with you still in spirit and you are most certainly with you. I’m sure she and Ed are having a good laugh at the moment. I love you all, Becky Herrle.
My condolences, and hugs to you all. This was beautifully written. It really shared who she was. She was the light and always will be now in your hearts.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. As Rick’s youngest brother I can tell you that when Rick met Margaret, the man who never thought of anything but cooking and sports, was in love. If he wasn’t at work he was with Margaret. They were truly made for each other. Margaret was a great wife and a fantastic mother to Dan, Nick and Stacey. There is nothing that she would not do for them. She was so proud of you three and always loved to talk about you all.
Margaret, thank you for being the love of Rick’s life and giving him so much joy. Thank you for being that special mother to my nephews and niece
Margaret would want us to be strong, so I am going to be and I am going to keep those cherished memories of her in my heart. I ask that we all do.
Love you all
Dear Herrle Family – Please accept my condolences on the loss of your beautiful wife and mother, Margaret. From your neighbor down the street, Ann Whiting. God Bless You all.
Rick and family:
My heart goes out to you on the loss of your wife and mother. Margaret was always a special person and made me laugh when she’d call my Mom to chat. She and your family will be in our prayers.
Coleman Myron and family
We were all heartbroken to hear of your tremendous loss. We are praying for comfort and peace for your family. May God wrap his loving arms around you all.
Nick and family
We were so very sorry to hear about your mother. Please know we are sending heartfelt prayers for comfort and strengh in your time of great gloss
My sympathy to Margaret’s family and friends. I was sorry to hear of her passing. I will always remember her loving, caring and giving heart.
Rick, Danny, Nick, and Stacey,
We are so sorry for your loss. When I think of Aunt Margaret, I will always remember her kindness, humor, and love for her family. Her quick wit and enthusiasm brightened every room she entered. Your wife and mother will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Stacey, what a loving and beautiful tribute. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Katie, Eric, Patrick, and Jenny
The world was a better place with you in it Margaret….
Rick, Dan, Nick, and Stacey:
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Margaret. I’ve been hunkered down in my Dewey home and have not been down to my home in Phoenix since the end of March. I just heard from our neighbor, John, about Margaret’s passing and wanted to offer my sincerest condolences.
If you need anything, please let me know!
Your neighbors from across the street, Matt and Dave Caspermeyer
Unfortunately I never got the grand opportunity to meet this amazing person that I feel like I met the day that I met Stacey.. Truly such a beautiful light that shines straight through your shaking daughter & I’m sure the rest of your kids. Although I’m sure you will vex greatly missed, your memory will love on strong through your family & those who knew you!! Rest On Heaven Margaret!!