Margaret Holmes Eaton
February 26, 2017
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
Margaret Holmes Eaton, 97, passed away February 26, 2017. Services will be held on Friday, March 10, 2017 at Plymouth United Church of Christ, 4126 Ingersoll Ave. in Des Moines at 1:30 p.m. Family will greet friends following the service. A grave site service will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Waukon, Iowa on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.
Margaret was a strong, determined, energetic and positive individual. Born in Waterloo, IA to Richard and Florence (Hotchkiss) Holmes on September 9, 1919, she graduated from West High School in 1937 and from Grinnell College in 1942. She then moved to Knoxville, TN to work for the Tennessee Valley Authority. Her college sweetheart, Mayhew “Make” Eaton had moved to Detroit for his career. After a brief long distance relationship, the couple married on May 3, 1943, and made their home in Detroit, Waterloo and finally back to Waukon, Make’s home town. Margaret’s career then became homemaker and volunteer extraordinaire.
She volunteered for the Waukon Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, was a mentor for elementary school girls, battered women’s and children’s program, and providing meals for children. She was a member of Browning Club, the St. Paul United Methodist Church Women’s Society and as the Sunday School Superintendent. She joined PEO in 1949 and was an active member until her death in Chapter’s EK and KN.
In her spare time, Margaret enjoyed playing board and card games with her children and grandchildren. She was always up for a musical theatre performance, taking the children on day trips, family vacations, bridge, golf, baking, and perfecting her artistic talent for painting, drawing, and designing her own counted cross stitch patterns. Most of all she was a very positive and supportive influence to her beloved family.
She will be dearly missed by her children, Lynne (Hugh) Brown of Denver, CO, Jay (Kathy) Eaton of Waukee, IA and Gregg Eaton of Fort Collins, CO; six grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Margaret was blessed with good health all of her life. The last few days of her life were spent surrounded by her loving family playing games and listening to music.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Plymouth Church or to Hawthorne Hill in Des Moines. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Barbara Mullan
03/10/2017
As childhood friends Margaret and I had many wonderful memories together. Our favorite was the many days spent playing paper dolls! Our friendship stayed strong through all these many years! I will miss her phone calls as we caught up on each other's lives. Truly a special lifelong friend. You all are in my thoughts and prayers today, and always.
Rob & Mary Funk
03/09/2017
Jay and Family-- Our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mother. May fond memories of so many good times together surround you all as you gather to celebrate a life well lived.
Betty Bishop
03/08/2017
I'm writing on behalf of Betty, my mother. She was so fond of Margaret who stopped by often to chat and bring delightful treats to share. Margaret's friendship was so important to Mom who is a resident at Deerfield. Margaret found mom where ever she was - in the health center or assisted living. Her kindness is fondly remembered. We honor her life and spirit of giving. (Jane Fogg)
Deb Wood
03/06/2017
My mom, Betty Estell, will really miss Margaret! She loved her spirit, her energy, and the fact the Margaret was always up for anything! I enjoyed having dinner with Margaret when visiting my mom and remember a fun day of going out to lunch and and a movie.
She always remembered her friends and neighbors--and made wonderful cinnamon rolls.
Deb Wood
Tom and Lynn Thomson
03/04/2017
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Margaret. We have many fond memories...golfing together in Waukon and also on our visits to Texas,and at many get togethers celebrating one thing or another. Both Make and Margaret were always welcoming and fun to be around.