Breckenridge Texan

Margaret Langford, 82, passed away on July 7, 2023, at her home in Dallas, Texas. Margaret Mildred Montgomery was born on May 9, 1941, in El Paso, Texas, to Frederick and Helen Montgomery. She grew up in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, where she attended First Methodist Church and worked at the local drug store. In 1958, Margaret was crowned Miss Truth or Consequences in the El Paso Sun Carnival and graduated that year as Valedictorian of her high school class. She received a scholarship to New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where she received a degree in Elementary Education and met the love of her life, James Robert Langford. On June 2, 1963, Margaret and Robert married in Las Cruces and then started their life together in Pampa, Texas, where their three children – Chris, Monty, and Molly – were born. The family moved to McLean, Texas, and shortly thereafter, in 1972, to Perryton, Texas, where Margaret taught school and Robert coached. In 1986, the family moved from Perryton to Odessa, Texas, where Margaret continued teaching. After 32 years, Robert and Margaret retired in 1997 and moved to Granbury, Texas, where they enjoyed their golden years with friends and family.

Margaret loved and cared for the students she taught over the years and always hoped that she had made a positive impact in their lives. She stayed active in church throughout her life and started each morning in prayer and God’s word. Her first priority was always as a selfless, devoted, and loving wife, mother, and grandmother to her six grandchildren. She loved to cook, read, sing in the church choir, and document the life of her loved ones through photographs in her legendary albums – numbering around 40! Margaret had the gift of hospitality and service to others, always welcoming any and all into her home and never without a home-cooked meal. She took the time to send birthday cards to friends and family and always sent thank-you notes. She was so very loved, admired, and respected by all who knew her.

Margaret was preceded in death by her father, Frederick Montgomery; mother, Helen Montgomery; brother, Fred Montgomery; and son, Monty Langford. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Robert Langford; son, Chris Langford and wife Lezlie; daughter, Molly Key and husband Jason; daughter-in-law, Adi Langford; grandchildren, Kevin Langford and wife Leah, Cade Langford, Pike Langford, Luke Langford, Lily Langford and Stella Key; great-grandson, Troy Langford (born on her birthday!); nephew, Mark Montgomery and wife Kathi; as well as numerous Langford nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home in Breckenridge, Texas. A private family burial will be held at the Necessity Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Margaret’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association through their website (www.alz.org), or check donations can be left at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home. Condolences can be left online at meltonkitchens.com.