Margaret Muilenburg Lixey of East Tawas Michigan, at the age of 100, claimed the promise of the resurrection on April 25, 2022. Margaret was born on November 23, 1921 to the late William and Zella Muilenburg in Orange City, Iowa. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Donald Thomas Lixey, her son Rod Lixey, her sister Virginia Immers and brother John Muilenburg.
Margaret’s family moved to Glennie, Michigan during the depression and then to East Tawas. Margaret graduated from East Tawas High School in 1939. She attended Taylor University in Upland, Indiana and Central Michigan University, from where she received her BS in Education degree. She taught 4th grade at Sacred Heart Elementary School and 3rd grade at East Tawas Elementary school until her retirement. Margaret married the late Donald Thomas Lixey of East Tawas in 1942, while he was in the Navy serving his country during WWII. Together they had four children. They were married almost 60 years.
Margaret grew up at a time when people not only worked to survive, but took pride in their work. She exhibited this work ethic all her life. A value she passed on to her family. She loved nature. She was a passionate gardener and enjoyed nothing more than working in her vegetable garden or in her beautiful terraced flower gardens. No weed survived her vigilance. After retirement she became an avid quilter and needle-pointer. She created a piece, of their choosing, for one of her daughters or daughters-in-law each year, alternating the years. It was a special gift that was many months in the making and cherished by those who received it. One of her greatest pleasures was mowing her lawn. She did not give that up until she was 98.
Margaret was a vital and active member of Tawas United Methodist Church for almost 80 years and was the oldest living member. She embodied the Methodist ethic of, “do all the good you can, for all the people you can, as long as you can.” She was a regular attender and even showed up on snow days when the church was closed for inclement weather, wondering why there was no service. She participated in many activities such as, the quilting group, the Bible study, the funeral committee, and phone Fish. She was well known for her delicious cookies. She would produce copious amounts of cookies for the church cookie sale. It was at Tawas United Methodist Church that she became known as the “Cookie Lady.” She was also awarded the Woman of the Year award for her service to the church community.
She loved her family, her animals and her chocolate. Her generous and compassionate spirit led her to give to every charity she could find to relieve the suffering of mistreated animals. Her home was the centerpiece for all family gatherings. Many happy times revolved around her making everyone feel welcomed and loved, and if there was chocolate, all the better.
She is survived by her children: Kathy Husted (Stewart) of Lynchburg, VA, Bill Lixey (Beth) of East Tawas, Mich., Jane Taylor (Reid) of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Daughter in-law, Brooke Lixey (Rod) of Romeo, Michigan. Grandchildren: Johanna Lixey Montgomery (Jake) of Winter Park, FL, Andy Lixey (Ashley) of Romeo, Michigan, Ryan Husted (Sarah) of Terrace Park, OH, Evan Husted (Kristina) of Denver, Co., Heather Bishop (Garrett) of Milwaukee, Wi, Jennifer Lixey of Perry, Michigan. Great grandchildren: Ella Green, Charlie Husted, Katherine Husted, Philip Husted, Lincoln Lixey, Sloane Lixey, Elizabeth Bishop, Grant Bishop and Victoria Bishop, many special nieces and nephews, and her dog Willy. The family is grateful to Tawas Village for the loving care she received in her final years. She felt blessed to be a part of that caring community.
There will be a memorial service at Tawas United Methodist Church on May 21, 2022. A visitation with family will take place from 12:00-1:00 pm, Memorial service from 1:00-2:00 pm, committal service at the cemetery from 2:30-2:45 pm and a luncheon following at 3:15 pm at Tawas United Methodist Church. The Reverend Kris Kappler will be officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made to Tawas United Methodist Church.
