Margaret Hickman McAnly, age 98, of Arcadia, Fl. passed away, May 29, 2008 in Naples. FL. She was born Feb. 10, 1910 to Jesse and Lucy Hickman in Arcadia, Fl. in the family home on West Hickory St. and was a lifelong resident. She was a public servant for all of her working years. She became the Tax Collector for DeSoto Co., Fl. on June 15, 1938 and remained at that position until Feb. 10, 1941. Mrs. Margaret began working for DeSoto Co. County Commissioner s office on her birthday, Feb. 10, 1941 serving in that capacity until Jan. 7, 1957. Mrs. Margaret became the Desoto Co. Property Appraiser Jan 7, 1957 a position she held until her retirement Jan. 1, 1989 She was a graduate of DeSoto High School, class of 1928. She attended Hollins College in Virginia and also Florida State University,(when it was a girls only school), and the Tampa Business Col. Upon completion of her schooling, Mrs. Margaret returned hmoe, where she worked for Hough Ins. She also worked for Desoto Ins. and Sunny South Packing Co. Mrs. Margaret married her beloved husband William "Slim" McAnly in 1935 and began her greatest career, that of being a wife and mother to her husband and children. Mrs. Margaret always referred to her children as "Her greatest treasures". June of 1938, Mrs. Margaret took a job with the tax collectors office full time and also worked at night for the County Clerk until 1941. Mrs. Margaret worked for the County Commissioners typing the tax rolls for the tax assessor. Mrs. Kate Carlton retired as Tax Assessor ( Property Appraiser) in 1957, allowing Mrs. Margaret to run for the vacant position, which she won . During the eight years of her terms, she was opposed only three times. Upon her retirement in 1989, the DeSoto Co. Commissioners placed a plaque in her honor for the 50 plus years of her faithful public service on the wall outside of her then office in the courthouse, which read in part, "She will always be remembered as a "True Servant of the People" As if service to the county wasn't enough, Mrs. Margaret also served in the local Democratic Party in various offices including treasurer for 25 years. She held other memberships which included the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce (30 years), International Appraiser's Association of Florida (31years) International Appraiser s Assoc. (13 years), Peace River Valley Historical Soc., (charter member), and the local Business and Professional Women s Organization. holding the offices of Vice President, Secretary, Chaplain, and board member with the Property Asspaiser's Assoc.of Fl., gave her great joy. She published the first directory and served as its editor for six years. Mrs. McAnly also put together the first history of the assoc. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Arcadia. She was very active in her church and was a staunch supporter throughout her live. Survivors are her two sons James (Stephanie) McAnly, Arcadia, Fl. and William (Bette) McAnly, Naples., Fl., and a daughter Kerrey (Peter) Wegner, Naples, Fl. She also leaves six grandchildren and four great grandchildren to mourn her passing. Margaret Hichman Mcanly, you were a great servant. "Well Done Good and Faithful Servant" Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00PM Tuesday, June 3, 2008 from the First Presbyterian Church of Arcadia with Dr. Ted Land officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Arcadia, Fl. Family request that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Arcadia, 209 W. Hickory St. Arcadia, Fl. Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgradyfuneralhome.com. Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.