Margaret Stroh

People who knew Margaret Stroh were blessed – by her unconditional love and her generosity of spirit. She was a quiet woman who, through her love and hard work, provided a strong and benevolent foundation for her family. It was easy to see that Margaret treasured her family and that it was with her beloved husband by her side that she felt more happiness than she had ever known. Thoughtful, loving and dedicated to her loved ones, Margaret will be dearly missed by all who were within her reach.

Although 1917 was a year filled with fear and conflict, with the start of World War I and the worldwide flu epidemic that claimed the lives of many Americans, the family of Frank and Grace Bell had something wonderful to focus on – the birth of their beautiful daughter, Margaret, on January 23, 1917, in Big Rapids, Michigan. Margaret was the second of six children: Leonard, Margaret, Jim, Frank, Genevieve and Bill. Her placement in the sibling lineup meant she carried a heavy load of responsibilities as her mother was sick and Margaret had to care for her younger siblings and the house chores. The family lived in Comstock, where her father owned and operated Bell’s Greenhouse. At one time or another, Margaret and her siblings all helped work in the family greenhouse. Despite her many responsibilities, Margaret was a good student in school and went on to graduate from Comstock High in 1935. With a caregiver heart, she then moved to Detroit to live with her Aunt Margaret to help take care of her grandmother. In time, Margaret returned home again and went to work in the Bell Flower Shop in downtown Kalamazoo.

Margaret met the love of her life, Ray Stroh, while in school; however, at first he was more like a brother to her because he was friends with her older brother Leonard and always around. While Margaret was away in Detroit, something changed and upon her return, she and Ray began dating and with that, their love story had begun. In 1940, the sweethearts exchanged vows, beginning a journey together that lasted almost 60 years. They settled into married life together in Comstock, where they would raise their three wonderful children: Janet, Judy and Peggy.

Margaret’s family always came first. She loved being a homemaker, taking care of her husband and children and creating home that was a place where love was plentiful. She was a wonderful cook and baker (her pies were out of this world), and she hosted many big family dinners and get togethers over the years. Another very significant part of Margaret’s life was her faith. In 1950, she began studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses and in a few years, she was baptized and became a very faithful member. She had a great passion to share her faith and teach others the truth of the Bible. Her greatest joy was when her husband Ray also accepted the faith later in life.

Spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who she loved dearly, meant the most to Margaret. She was always there to help and support them in any way she could. But that was Margaret, she would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. Outside of family, Margaret enjoyed several interests and hobbies, like bird watching, cheering on the Detroit Tigers and playing cards, including Cribbage and Pedro. She also enjoyed working in her vegetable and flower gardens and after Ray retired, the two went camping more often, enjoying the great outdoors. In her quieter moments at home, Margaret enjoyed doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, reading and embroidering something beautiful for those she loved. She was always making something for her kids and grandkids and the children at the Hall. Like clockwork, Margaret had a cup of coffee every morning and another at 4:00 p.m. Her sense of humor, however, was not quite as predictable, and it would come out in surprising ways, leaving her family in stitches. Margaret was a woman cut of the warmest, kindest cloth, who always volunteered her time, her effort and her love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Margaret Stroh, age 97, of Plainwell, MI passed away on Monday, October 27, 2014. Margaret was born on January 23, 1917 to Frank and Grace. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Friday, October 31, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 4:00 p.m. at the Plainwell Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness; 280 Starr Rd. Margaret's family includes her children: Janet Draper, Judy (Randy) Harvey, Peggy (Linton) Pike; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; brothers: Jim (Margaret) Bell, Frank Bell, William Bell and several nieces and nephews. Margaret was proceeded in death by her husband of 59 years, Ray; siblings: Leonard Bell, Genevieve Bongers; son-in-law, Larry Draper. Please visit Margaret’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read her life story, archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, Reverence Hospice, or the Watchtower Society.