Margaret Joyce (Kline) Upson

Margaret Joyce (Kline) Upson, age 89, of Bloomingdale and formerly of Richland, Galesburg and Kalamazoo died peacefully at Medilodge of Westwood in Kalamazoo on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

Margaret was born August 16, 1936, in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Harold T. and Lois M. (Houts) Kline. She grew up in Kalamazoo and Richland and was a 1954 graduate of Richland High School. She was first employed at the Credit Bureau of Kalamazoo. For ten years, she was employed as the secretary of Attorney Benjamin Wise in the Law Office of Stratton, Wise, Early and Starbucks. Her husband, Clark, was a farmer and Margaret helped on the farm, doing chores and driving the tractor. She was a very accomplished seamstress and made wedding, bridesmaids and prom dresses for family, friends and customers and ran a children's clothing business from her home.

Margaret Joyce Kline was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Clark D. Upson on April 29, 1955, at the First Presbyterian Church in Richland, MI. Sadly, Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Clark on May 29, 2000. Surviving are two daughters, Denise (Jeff) Wilson and Marilee (Chris) Sondgerath both of Galesburg; a son, Tyrone (Shelly) Upson of Bloomingdale; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ethelyn Kendrick and Martha Buttery, sister-in-law Kay Kline, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. In addition to her husband, Margaret was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Mary Louise DeRyder, Margery Parker; a brother, Jack Kline; four brothers-in-law, Bud DeRyder, David Parker, Terrence Buttery and Don Kendricks.

Margaret was a charter member of Richland United Methodist Church, a member of Galesburg United Methodist Church and attended New Hope Evangelical Covenant Church in Richland and Journey Family Church in Gobles, MI. In addition to being an excellent seamstress, Margaret also enjoyed working in her vegetable gardens and cooking. She loved family, family gatherings and following her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities.

Friends will be received at New Hope Evangelical Covenant Church 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, where a service to celebrate Margaret’s life will be officiated by Brian Scott at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026. Interment will be held later at Prairie Home Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Margaret may be made to New Hope Evangelical Covenant Church, 9300 Ease D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care Richland Chapel. Personal messages for Margaret’s family or memories of Margaret may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.