Margaret Matterson Fredericks

Fredericks

Margaret Matterson Fredericks, 95, of Ridgway, Colorado, passed away peacefully at her home on February 13, 2026. Margaret lived in Marietta for 50 years until she moved to Colorado 5 years ago to spend her last years with family.

Born November 9, 1930, in Syracuse, New York, Margaret lived a life defined by love, purpose, and service. She earned her B.A. from Syracuse University, working her way through school one course at a time, and later completed master’s degrees from Edinburgh College and Marietta College.

On September 1, 1951, she married Roland S. “Roly” Fredericks. They shared 58 joyful years of marriage, supporting one another in careers dedicated to serving the communities in which they lived. In their free time, they celebrated a zest for adventure through camping, hiking, skiing, and world travel, including two years in Scotland and nine months in New Zealand during a pulpit exchange.

Margaret’s devotion to children and community shaped her life’s work. She was a beloved teacher whose students remained in touch for decades. Seeing a need, she co-founded the Marietta Youth Cultural Center, which later became the Washington County Boys and Girls Club. She served as a Presbyterian Elder and remained deeply engaged in civic and cultural life, including the League of Women Voters and The Castle in Marietta. She also served on the board of the Betsey Mills Club and was honored as Marietta’s Citizen of the Year in 2015, as well as a recipient of the Jenco Award from the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.

Margaret is survived by her daughters, Margaret “Peggy” Malcomb Clarke (Greg), British Columbia, and Elizabeth “Betsy” Fredericks Lattanner (Eric) of Colorado; her sister, Jean Terrell of Syracuse, New York; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and her beloved dog Crosby, all who have brought her great joy.

A celebration of Margaret’s remarkable life will be held April 24 at 11:00 am at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Marietta with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall. A private burial will take place at Mound Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roland and Margaret Fredericks Charitable Fund, Marietta Community Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Marietta, OH 45750.