Margot Ford Reck (October 21,1917 – January 17, 2004) was born in St. Joseph. She attended Central High School and later graduated from Smith College, North Hampton, Mass. with a B.A. in Architectural Design.

Margot began her flying career with the Civil Air Patrol in St. Joseph. She  worked as a Cartographer for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and joined the newly formed WASP Organization (Women Air Force Service Pilots Association) in 1942. This was the first time ever that women were allowed to serve as pilots and fly military aircraft for the United States Army Air Force. She was one of 25,000 applicants of which 1,800 were selected and 900 completed flight training. She received her wings at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas. She flew A-6’s, P-38’s, P-40’s and P-51’s among many other types of aircraft. Margot checked out in 16 different aircraft.

The WASPS were stationed at one of the 120 Army Air Bases within the United States and there were 78 different kinds of aircraft to be flown. Their job was to ferry all kinds of aircraft across the country. They also served as test pilots and they trained men to fly. The risk was high and sadly 37 WASPS died on duty and yet the group was not given formal recognition for their efforts until 1979. It was only then that WASPS were considered veterans.

Margot was an avid golfer and a St. Joseph Country Club and city ladies champion. She was active in the Missouri Women’s Golf Association and Woman’s Senior Golf Association. She was instrumental in promoting Girls Golf and and was director of the Missouri Girls Golf Association for 20 years.