Margaret Miller

Margaret L. Miller, age 90, of Kalamazoo, MI went to be with the Lord in the morning of Saturday, October 3, 2015. She was born in Westfield, Indiana on November 16, 1924, the only daughter of Russell and Unity (Thomas) Tomlinson. Upon graduation from Lake Superior State College, she began her teaching career. Living in Kalamazoo most of her life, she taught for the Kalamazoo Public Schools for 27 years before retiring. While there she became a nationally recognized debate and forensics coach. Margaret loved to cook. She was well known for her tins of Christmas cookies she baked each year. She was always up to play games of all sorts. She also enjoyed fishing and swimming. In fact she taught aqua aerobics in her retirement years. Margaret traveled all over the world visiting Europe, Japan, and many other places. She loved to take cruises. She was an avid reader as well, often reading more than one book at a time. Margaret was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo for many years. She also acted in plays at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. She was a member of the women's PEO organization. Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, her son-in-law, Charles Howard, and her sister-in-law Ruth Tomlinson. Surviving are her brother, Pastor Russell Tomlinson of Ankeny, Iowa; her son Thomas (Margie) Miller of West Palm Beach, FL; her daughter, Patricia Howard of Kalamazoo; eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo, 321 E. South St. on Monday, October 19 at 10:00am. Friends may meet with the family after the service in the Gathering Place. Her ashes will be placed in the church columbarium. In lieu of flowers, Margaret requested that memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church or Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes. Arrangements were made by Langland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St.