Margaret L. Eggleston

Margaret Lou (Mather) Eggleston, age 84, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2015. She was born on October 26, 1930 to Evelyn Dexter Mather and Ruth Mather.

Married at seventeen, Margaret never held a job outside her home but worked hard to raise her son, Daniel and daughter, Susan with her husband, Rex Eggleston. She enjoyed her four grandchildren from Susan and often went out to breakfast and lunch with them and her long-time friend, Barbara Cook, with whom she also enjoyed the local casinos.

She and Rex had a fondness for camping and owned an RV which they took up to the Upper Penninsula many times. Taking in the Michigan lake shore was a hobby, one they shared with their children and grandchildren, and sight-seeing the local lighthouses was a joy.

Bowling was a family affair also and was a pursuit for many years, with her daughter Susan, Susan's husband and children, and Susan's sister-in-law, Deb, and Barbara Cook. Margaret received the 25 Year Award from the Independent league for 25 or more years of bowling in the Michigan State Tournament.

Christmas was a time of joy for her, often decorating her home with little knick-knacks, a small village (which grew every year due to gifts from family) and outdoor lights. Margaret cared deeply for her family, especially at this time, bringing popcorn balls and extra presents for those who had little and always had small cookies and candies around. She even thought of the little animals and kept the birdfeeders well stocked for her favorite birds, the cardinals.

Margaret sat in the middle of four sisters, Mary, Marie, Evelyn and Caroline, all of which preceeded her in death along with her Mother, Ruth Mather, Father, Evelyn Dexter Mather, her husband, Rex, and two sons, Terry and Daniel Eggleston. She is survived by her daughter, Susan and her husband, Robert, and four grandchildren, Timothy and his wife, Traci Cook, Jeremai and his wife, Misti Cook, Kimberly, Jennifer, and five great-grandchildren along with many neices and nephews.

Margaret was a kind soul and loving until the end. She will be sadly missed, but we know she is now happy and no doubt is dancing as she did as a girl in the old dance halls of Battle Creek. She will always be in our hearts.

The family will receive friends 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Monday, August 17, 2015 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where funeral services to celebrate Margaret's life will be held at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the charity of your choice. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.