Margaret Ann Tevis Herzog

Margaret Ann Tevis Herzog
August 23, 1935 – June 21, 2025

Margaret Ann Tevis Herzog was born on August 23, 1935, to Charles and Helen Tevis, Margaret was the eldest of five children and the only daughter. She grew up surrounded by her four brothers, and throughout her life, she carried the strength of her family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved brothers, Charles and James (“Butch”) Tevis.

Margaret’s passion for learning led her to graduate from Holden High School and pursue higher education at William Jewell College and the University of Nebraska, where she earned a Master’s degree in mathematics. It was during her time in Nebraska that she met and married John O. Herzog. They raised five children together and moved from Nebraska to Pocatello, Idaho, then eventually settling in Tacoma, Washington in 1967.

Margaret is lovingly remembered by her surviving brothers, John (Joanne) Tevis and Richard Tevis; her five children, Barbara (Fred) Motteler, Michael (Kathy) Herzog, Jane (Ray) Herzog, Kathleen Herzog, and Daniel (Tannaz) Herzog; her eleven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

A brilliant mathematician and gifted teacher, Margaret had a rare ability to make complex ideas accessible and meaningful. Her students not only learned formulas and theorems but also how to apply them to real-world challenges—an approach that reflected her deep care for others and her belief in the power of education.

After retiring from teaching, Margaret continued to share her talents and creativity. She prepared tax returns with precision and care, and later embraced the arts—painting, writing poetry, and exploring the beauty of the world through her words and brushstrokes. Her flower paintings, rich with color and life, adorned her home and brought joy to all who saw them.

Margaret also had a deep love for gardening. Her green thumb transformed her yard into a haven of fresh vegetables and vibrant blooms, and her children fondly remember the meals made with love from her garden’s bounty.

Margaret’s life was a testament to resilience, intellect, creativity, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and beauty that will continue to inspire generations to come.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.