Margaret Jean (Sheegog) McGuire, 86

Published 10:27 am Thursday, January 23, 2025

Margaret Jean (Sheegog) McGuire, 86, of Danville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, at the home of her son in Danville. Born on April 17, 1938, in Danville, she was the daughter of the late Elzie W. Sheegog Jr. and B. Marguerite Edwards. A 1956 graduate of Danville High School, Margaret Jean formed lifelong friendships during her school years and was a proud cheerleader for the Admirals. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Herbert W. McGuire, who was playing football at Centre College, then located across the street from the high school. After attending Eastern Kentucky University for a year, she married Herbie, and together they shared an extraordinary 68 years of marriage, most of which was in Danville. As a devoted coach’s wife, Margaret Jean became a second mother to many of the athletes coached by Herbie at Centre College. She embraced this role with warmth and enthusiasm, creating a welcoming environment for students far from home. Moreover, she never minded the assistance provided by the handsome football players and the warm friendship shared by the woman athletes. Her love for people extended to her many cherished friendships, which she nurtured through marathon phone calls, shared meals at favorite restaurants, family outings, and reunions. Margaret Jean had a deep affection for animals, especially her beloved dogs and cats, and the horses at the Keeneland Racetrack in Lexington. She delighted in teaching her children and grandchildren how to place their bets using her complex system of numbers, colors, names, and jockeys, and always looked forward to attending the races with family and friends. Antiquing was another passion of hers; she found joy in discovering unique treasures at both estate sales and flea markets and often gifted these finds to friends. Margaret Jean is survived by her husband, Herbert W. McGuire; her children Kevin M. (Betty) McGuire and Kelly Margaret McGuire; four grandchildren Ryan P. McGuire, Joseph R. McGuire, Richard Cooper (Kristin) McGuire, and Mary Margaret “Maggie” Darland; two great-grandchildren Jonah Arnold and Riley Erin Bauer; and her brother Elzie W. (Jeanie) Sheegog III. Margaret Jean truly embodied the adage of a life well lived. Margaret Jean will be cremated, and a celebration of her life will be scheduled once the weather improves. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Humane Society or Hospice group. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.