Margaret Jane Teates

Margaret Jane Teates, of Riner, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2022 at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was the loving wife of 63 years of Thomas G. Teates. Born on November 7, 1936 in Drumore, Pennsylvania to the late A. Levis Ambler and Ella Herr Ambler. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Thomas R. Ambler, William H. Ambler, Mary E. Myers (Barry), Charles L. Ambler, Robert H. Ambler, and Ann L. Layendecker (Jack). Marge is survived by her husband of 63 years, daughter Barbara A. Shaffner (David) and son Thomas D. Teates, and grandchildren Christopher D. Shaffner, Elizabeth A. Powell (George) and Michael T. Shaffner as well as many nieces and nephews and their children.

Marge earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pa. in 1958 and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Kansas University in Lawrence, Ks. in 1961. She most recently was employed as a technical typist for the Virginia Tech Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering. Marge volunteered with many organizations, notably the American Cancer Society, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and as a church deacon and Stephen Minister at Christiansburg Presbyterian Church. She spent many years walking and socializing dogs at the Montgomery County Humane Society no-kill shelter in Christiansburg. She loved travel and photography. A Master Gardener, Marge spent countless hours volunteering at the Hahn Horticulture Garden at Virginia Tech and was happiest tending to her own pets and cultivating the beautiful landscapes at her home.

At this time, her family is planning to hold a celebration of her life later this Spring. In lieu of sending flowers, the family kindly requests you consider a donation in her memory to either the Hahn Horticulture Garden at Virginia Tech, The Nature Conservancy, or the Montgomery County Humane Society.