North Highlands, California – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Evonne (Radley) Posehn, who died on May 15th, 2025, at her home after a courageous 23-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Margaret, a beloved figure known for her extensive research and published works on Rio Linda history, was 86 years old.
Born on October 23, 1938, in Sacramento, California, to William Percival Radley and Margaret (Marge) Frieda Dieze, Margaret’s roots in Rio Linda ran deep. After her biological father’s deportation, her mother married Jim Krans, and the family settled on a poultry ranch in Rio Linda. It was here that Margaret, alongside her older sister Georgia, developed an unwavering work ethic, tending rigorously to chickens, cows, and pigs, and moving irrigation sprinkler pipes in the pasture—a testament to the dedication that would define her life.
Margaret attended Rio Linda Elementary school and was a proud graduate of Grant Union High School in 1956. Her early career included roles at Bank of America and McClellan Air Force Base, where she rose from a Clerk-Typist to supervising the Base Post Office after a tenure in the Protocol Office of the Commanding General.
Beyond her professional life, Margaret became a passionate genealogist and historian. Her fascination with uncovering her own family’s past led her to extensive research, resulting in the discovery of two sisters and four brothers. This personal journey ignited a lifelong pursuit of historical knowledge, particularly concerning the community she cherished.
A Legacy of Local History
After retiring, Margaret established a genealogy research business, but her true calling became documenting the rich history of Rio Linda. She dedicated countless hours to uncovering and preserving the stories, events, and people that shaped the area. Her meticulous research culminated in the publication of several significant books, including:
- Images of America: Rio Linda and Elverta: Co-authored, this book offered a pictorial journey through the early days of these communities, preserving their visual heritage for future generations.
- Rio Linda and Elverta History 1850-1929: This comprehensive work delved deeper into the historical fabric of the town, chronicling its development and the lives of its inhabitants.
- A History of Rio Linda, California: Another cornerstone of her published works, this book provided an in-depth account of Rio Linda’s past, solidifying her reputation as a leading authority on local history.
- The Pioneers of Rio Linda and Elverta
- Pictorial History of the Rio Linda Fire Department
The Sacramento Public Library’s “Margaret Posehn Research Collection” also contains a wealth of materials (a full seven archival boxes!), documenting the historical panorama of Rio Linda and Elverta, including photographs, newspaper clippings, and unpublished records, which likely informed her published works.
Margaret’s contributions to the understanding of Rio Linda’s heritage are immeasurable. Her books and research stand as a lasting legacy, ensuring that the stories of this community will not be forgotten.
Family and Personal Life
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents and her son James Ernst. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, John Posehn, of North Highlands. She also leaves behind her son Richard (Anna) Ernst of Ada, Oklahoma; daughters Cindy (Mark) Haag of Port Angeles, Washington; and Leslie (Randy) Cornell of Nampa, Idaho. Margaret is also survived by her sisters Georgia Atwood of Rio Linda, California, and Joyce Buckland of North Highlands, California. Her legacy extends to her many grandchildren: Phillip Ernst, Richard Ernst Jr, Will Ernst, Joel Ernst, LeAnne (Haag) Klock, April Haag, Leo Haag, Brandon Cornell, Aaron Cornell, Megan (Cornell) Winters, Jennifer Ernst, and John Ernst, as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and doctors at Kaiser Roseville Oncology Center for their compassionate care, and a special thank you to Randy and Leslie Cornell for their loving support and for transporting Margaret to her many appointments.
At Margaret’s request, no services will be held. Her dedication to preserving the history of Rio Linda will ensure her memory lives on within the community she so diligently documented.
