Margaret Shires Huffman, age 84, of New Castle, VA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Salem, VA. Born on August 8, 1941, to the late George and Leona Shires, Margaret attended school in New Castle prior to entering the workforce. She worked for many years at Maid Bess Corporation, Halmode Apparel, and Oak Hall Cap & Gown. After retirement she enjoyed several years working for the Salem Red Sox, playing thousands of games of Bingo around the area, visiting different casinos, and lastly conquering a multitude of puzzles with her good friends at The Commons in New Castle.
She loved all animals, babysat often for her grand-kitties in Roanoke, and after moving to The Commons, spent many happy evenings relaxing in front on the building with “Max” on her lap.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by husband Bobby Huffman; sisters Wanda Donahue, Joann Moore, Patsy Zimmerman, Louella McDaniel and Barbara Elmore; brother Melvin Shires.
Left to cherish her memory include her son, Donald Shires and wife, Sharon of Wake Forest, NC; sisters Carole Shires of New Castle, Va., Roberta Franklin of Lynchburg, Va. and Betty Bostic of Roanoke, VA.; brother and sister-in-law Tommy and Diana Shires of Seattle, Washington; many nieces and nephews, many members of her extended Huffman family, and special friend Reta Anderson of New Castle, Va.
A very special thank-you to Mike and Kim Liddiard of New Castle who visited with her in Richfield several times a week during her complete stay. Their friendship, generosity and advocacy on her behalf will long be remembered.
In addition, a sincere thank you to each person who visited her during her stay and a special thank you to those who visited with her during her final days to say good-bye.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Paitsel Funeral Home Chapel with Jonathan Lee officiating. A private inurnment will immediately follow the service at Paint Bank Cemetery in Paint Bank, VA.
Friends may visit with the family from 12 p.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.paitselfh.com.
