Lelia M. "Margo" Bussman

April 28, 1944 - February 17, 2021

Lelia Marguerite “Margo” Bussman, 76, of Morton, Illinois, formerly of Topeka, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 9:58 p.m. She was born on April 28, 1944 to the late Leslie and Lelia (Thomas) Whittaker. She married Joseph F. Bussman on October 2, 1971 and resided in Topeka for more than 47 years until her husband passed on March 14, 2019 at their home with her by his side. Margo is survived by her two daughters, Kimberly Jo (Jason) Riddle of Brookfield, Missouri and Melissa Rademacker of Green Valley, Illinois. She also leaves her grandchildren Gavin Gravesman and Ava Rademacker, whom she loved very much, and one sister, Sandra Scally of Peoria. Margo was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and four sisters, Darlene Hammond, Joan Simpson, Carol Brinkley, and Jeanne Koehl. Margo went to Illinois Central College, graduating in 1987 with her degree in nursing. She always had a passion for caring for people and this was her true calling. She worked for Havana Healthcare Center for many years, retiring from nursing in 2018. Margo was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her girls and embraced every moment with them, even up until her remaining days. We will miss her worldly advice and her “I Love You” and even her “I told you so”, which she was always right. She had a vivacious personality and always made people laugh. She was very witty and one of the strongest women to be known. She had a lot of loves in her life. She absolutely adored animals, especially her three cats. She was an exceptionally talented artist. She loved to paint everything, had the most amazing knack for making the most hideous objects beautiful, and painted the most realistic, life like paintings. During the spring and summer she could be found planting flowers in all her flower gardens. Her yard was always meticulously landscaped with the most colorful, boldest flowers and plants. When she wasn’t gardening, Margo could be found at her favorite fishing spots where she would spend endless hours fishing with her husband and her family. Margo was an amazing woman and had a very spiritual soul. We will miss her laugh, her hugs, and her beautiful smile. She definitely was the rock of her family. Margo truly lived a fulfilled life and she made sure her family did too. “It is not the length of life, but the depth of life.” Margo’s wishes were to be cremated. There will be no services. The family asks in her honor to please donate to any local animal shelter to help homeless animals in need. She would love that the most. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.