July 26, 1922 – June 12, 2012

NATCHEZ — Services for Margaret Ray Punches, 89, of Natchez, who died Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at Natchez Regional Medical Center, will be at 2 p.m. today at Trinity Episcopal Church with the Rev. Walton Jones officiating.

Burial will follow at Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time today at the church.

Mrs. Punches was born July 26, 1922, in Roswell, New Mexico, the daughter of Arthur Gaines Ray and Mabel Lee Priddy Ray. At an early age her family moved to Amarillo, Texas, where she lived until her marriage to Richard Knapp Punches in 1941.

She was a member of the Pilgrimage Garden Club and Trinity Episcopal Church where she served on the Altar Guild. She was a member and past president of the Pilgrimage Garden Club of America where she served as the Zone IX visiting garden chairman. She also served as a co-chairman of the Pilgrimage Garden Club Antiques Forum.

Mrs. Punches was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard K. Punches; one brother, Colonel Arthur G. Ray Jr.; and one nephew, Arthur G. Ray III.

Survivors include one son, Robert R. Punches and wife, Stephanie H. Punches, of Natchez; one grandson, Richard K. Punches II and wife, Sarah R. Punches, of Houston; one granddaughter, Margaret P. Malone and husband, Michael J. Malone, of Rowayton, Conn.; and two nieces, Sharon R. Smith and Janet R. White.

Pallbearers will be Bob Canon, Bill McGehee, Woody Allen, Lee Martin, Simmons Hicks, and H. Lee Jones.

Cross bearer will be Wayne Bryant.

Memorials may be made to the Historic Natchez Foundation, Trinity Episcopal Church or the charity of choice.