Peggy Lou Bramley

Margaret Bramley was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and selfless church member, but first and foremost she was a Godly woman who lived to love and serve the Lord she cherished more than life itself. She was blessed to spend the majority of her life with her true love with whom she witnessed her family tree blossom to include numerous branches of loved ones who filled her heart with joy. Peggy Lou was a hard working mother who cared for her husband and children in addition to caring for her parents during their time of great need. She was a gracious and humble person who filled every moment she had with precious moments shared with the ones she treasured. Peggy Lou will be forever missed but never forgotten.

The year 1929 is often remembered as the year that the historic crash of the stock market sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression. Although the 1920s had been primarily times of prosperity, the 1930s were some of the most trying days we have faced with few jobs, soaring unemployment, and a crippling drought in the nation’s heartland. It was just prior to this historic day that Margaret Louise was born on February 9th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was soon adopted by Frank and Velma Ingalls as an infant and was raised in the family home on the Northeast side of the city alongside her older brother, Arnold. Her mother was a kindergarten teacher while her father worked in the furniture industry, which was booming during this time, as well as in shoe sales. Margaret, often known as Peggy Lou, attended Coit Elementary and went on to Grand Rapids Central High School. During the summers she worked various jobs downtown.

After graduating from high school in 1947, Peggy Lou attended Spring Arbor College for two years, graduating with a degree in office administration. It was while at Spring Arbor that she met the young man who stole her heart. His name was Walter Bramley, and although he was very shy he mustered up enough courage to ask to walk her back to her dorm after class. Even after he left school to work in the optical industry they wrote letters to one another and began dating. Deeply in love, they were married on September 1, 1950, at Free Methodist Church in Grand Rapids. The newlyweds didn’t take a honeymoon, but they did go see his parents in Zanesville, Ohio.

Walter continued to work for the optical business while Peggy worked as an office clerk. Together they welcomed three children into their hearts and home: Christine in 1952, Marlene in 1953, and Ralph in 1959. When their first child was born Peggy left the workplace and became the classic housewife of the 1950s who focused her time and attention on caring for her home and family. She also took care of her mother who suffered with Alzheimer’s disease as they lived upstairs at 631 Prospect. After their parents died, Peggy Lou and Walter moved across the street to 630 Prospect where they remained for the majority of her life. She made it seem effortless to juggle everything and everyone, and she loved the business of the holidays. Peggy was an accomplished seamstress who made many of her children's clothes and later complete doll outfits and bags. She was a fantastic homemaker, too, and when done cleaning the house she liked to sit down and sing “I will not be moved.”

Together Peggy and Walter exemplified what marriage is truly intended to be. Walter couldn't recall ever having an argument with each other, and they complimented each other in nearly every way. Peggy was the extrovert while he was the introvert, she the city girl and he the country boy. They shared a life together that most can only dream of.

In addition to caring for her family, Peggy served within her church. She loved making silk arrangements so it was natural for her to be the official church florist, and she also was the church secretary and treasurer. Peggy was active in Women’s Missionary Society and was the Sunday school secretary as well as an assistant teacher. She loved to sing there, which sometimes included being part of a trio with friends.

Throughout her life Peggy was a woman of many interests. Her favorite show was Little House on the Prairie, perhaps because she shared the Ingalls name, and Saturday evening was usually spent watching the Lawrence Welk Show. They didn’t travel much, but they did go to Ohio, and she also liked going up North. Peggy and Walter celebrated their 50th anniversary with a trip to Niagara Falls. When it came to music she enjoyed anything by George Beverly Shea, and classic country from groups like the Statler Brothers was also a favorite. Peggy liked reading Country Living and Ideals Magazine. She made the holidays so special every year and they were never complete without her making a kitchen full of Christmas cookies. As her family and friends can attest, Peggy had an impressive collection of China dolls as well as owls later in life. She also had a bit of a sweet tooth when it came to candy, especially Russell Stover candy until she became a diabetic. When a special dinner was in order it was usually spent at Sweden House in Grand Rapids.

Despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2006, Peggy Lou was able to remain at home under Walter’s tender care. He also took on the household responsibilities during this time. By April of 2013 Peggy Lou needed more care than Walter could provide, which brought her to Rest Haven Homes. This was a great fit for Peggy Lou as her daughter, Marlene, worked there. After five months Peggy Lou moved to Metron of Forest Hills where Walter visited her at least once a day, often to eat with her.

All who knew Margaret Bramley would agree that she was one of the sweetest people around. She had a warm and approachable demeanor that drew others near with ease. Peggy was never one to worry about what she had, rather, her focus was on what she could give to all who were within her reach. Although she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home.

BRAMLEY – Margaret “Peggy Lou” Bramley, aged 85, of Grand Rapids passed into the Heavenly Arms of Jesus on July 15, 2014. She was preceded in death by her son, Ralph Bramley; grandson, Kean Pryor; parents, Frank (Velma) Ingalls; birth mother, Jean (Gerald) Martin; and brother, Arnold Ingalls. Peggy is survived by her husband of 63 years, Walter; daughters, Christine Owens and Marlene (Larry) Croschere; grandchildren, Jeremiah (Lori) Owens and their children, Tanner, Karsten, Gabriel, and Zane; Elizabeth (Brandon) Lambert and children Candace and Caden; Sarah (Joshua) Beeler; Brett (Tessa) Croschere and children Kaitilyn, Gabrielle, Megan, and Rebecca; Shawn (Stephanie Pintucci) Croschere; and Camilla Croschere and children, Atraeyol and Sabastian. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law, Claire Ingalls and Peggy (Harvey) Thorla; brother-in-law, Rev. Ralph (Geneva) Bramley; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 PM on Friday, July 18, 2014 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. Friends are invited to visit with the family for one hour prior to the service. Contributions in her memory may be made to LifeStream Free Methodist Church, Spectrum Health Hospice, or Alzheimers Association. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read her lifestory, archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.