Margaret Louise Baggett, age 76, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on August 3, 2023, at the University of Missouri Hospital surrounded by her family.

She was born on September 3, 1946, in Jefferson City, the daughter of John Rogers and Thelma Louise (Wilcox) Kratochvil.

Margaret was a 1964 graduate of Jefferson City High School and went on to study mathematics at the University of Kansas, earning her bachelor's degree in 1968. She accepted a position with Honeywell, a leader in the industries of engineering and technology and moved to Massachusetts. Upon returning to Missouri, Margaret began working with the Missouri Court Administrators Office and pursued a master's degree in food science from the University of Missouri Columbia, graduating in 1984. Then she dedicated 14 years to the Missouri Health Department as a Research Analyst. In post-retirement Margaret worked as a tour guide at the Missouri State Capitol.

She was a member of Toastmasters since 1988 and a past member of the Missouri Institute of Public Administrators (MIPA). She enjoyed YMCA classes and was an active part of the Jefferson City High School class of 1964. She dedicated much time to helping with secretarial duties and event planning and cherished the lifelong bonds she made with her classmates. As a dedicated woman of faith, Margaret was a member of First Baptist Church in Jefferson City where she taught Sunday School classes and made connections to volunteer with the Common Ground organization.

Margaret enjoyed traveling and experiencing new places, having visited many US Capital cities, Canada, Mexico, and Israel. She also liked local history and traveled throughout Missouri. Margaret wasn't one for keeping up with current events or pop culture, she lived in the present. She was attentive to the needs of others and was acutely aware of those around her. Margaret possessed the heart of a caretaker, and as the health of her parents as well as her mother-in-law began to decline with age, she opened her heart and her home to them. She was known for her Kitchen prowess and often experimented with elaborate dishes. Margaret was reserved and quiet but when she spoke it was with purpose and her words meant something. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John Kratochvil, Jr.; nephew, Andrew Kratochvil; mother-in-law, Harriette Baggett; and father-in-law, Billy Baggett.

The visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Freeman Mortuary.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 9, 2023, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Melissa Hatfield officiating. Interment will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.