MRS Margaret Robinson, of Settle, has died at Milton House, Gargrave, at the age of 88.

Margaret was born on September 19, 1925 at Westside Farm, Malham Moor, and was the youngest daughter of William and Jane Hoyle. She attended Stainforth Primary School with her elder sisters, Mary and Dorothy, walking to and from school each day. She passed her 11-plus exam and attended Settle High School, lodging in the town.

After leaving, she returned home to work on the farm full-time and, in 1945, she married a fellow farmer, Francis Robinson, and began their married life at Darnbrook Farm. Their eldest son, Gordon, was born there.

They moved to South House Farm, Selside shortly afterwards where they farmed primarily Dalesbred sheep and the family soon extended with the arrival of Anne, George, Jean and Shirley.

When Francis became ill in 1968, the farming business was curtailed and the family moved to Ribble Terrace in Settle. Margaret became the primary carer for her husband. Francis died in 1975 and Margaret took a job assisting the district nurses until her retirement when she was 60.

However her retirement was not a quiet one because, by this time, she had amassed 12 grandchildren. Babysitting duties became a regular task with overnight stays.

Margaret was a natural with the children and loved to teach them how to play games. Whist was one of Margaret's pleasures in life and she attended a number of whist drives in and around the Dales. She was one of the founder members of the whist group in Horton-in-Ribblesdale which was initially started in 1989 to raise funds for the St Oswald's Church appeal.

Her competitive spirit also shone through when challenging anyone to a game of table tennis or bowls.

Margaret also loved the outdoor life and the grandchildren were often taken on walks, stopping to feed the ducks on Tems beck or playing by the river. Imagine her surprise when she encountered the "naked rambler" on a walk in Dentdale!

Margaret also travelled much further afield in the company of family or friends visiting Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Scotland and the Lake District.

Her smile that would lift everyone's spirits and will be remembered by her sons, daughters, in-laws, 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

A collection after the service of thanksgiving raised £583 for the Air Ambulance.