Pletcher, Margie L. (1932-2007)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2007 Jul 16 p. 13

Birth date: 1932 Nov 13

text of obituary:

MARGIE L. PLETCHER

Margie L. Pletcher, 74, of Goshen, Ind., died May 29, 2007, at Greencroft Healthcare. She was born Nov. 13, 1932, to Byron Raikes and Gordie (Taliaferro) Pletcher in Perryton, Texas.

She was a 1950 graduate of Perryton High School. She graduated from Hesston, (Kan.) College and was a 1954 graduate of Goshen College and a 1964 graduate of the University of Northern Colorado. She was an elementary school teacher for 35 years, having taught at Harrison Township, Nappanee Elementary and at Parkside Elementary for 25 years, teaching fifth and sixth grades. She was brilliant in the geography category of Trivial Pursuit, collected rocks, dabbled in painting, enjoyed identifying constellations and later in life decided to study French. She was a member of College Mennonite Church.

A theme throughout her life was a love of music. She had a solo alto voice and was a longtime member of the College Mennonite Church Choir. She was the founder of the Shout for Joy children’s choir and sang with the Goshen Community Chorale. She is often remembered for leading her classroom in song, accompanied by her ukulele. She had a vast repertoire of camp, folk and silly songs that she passed on to her students, nieces and nephews.

In 1989 she retired from teaching in order to enjoy travel, genealogy study, friends and family. In 2003 she was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Throughout her illness, she maintained a hopeful view of life and touched many lives with her snappy comments and words of gratefulness to those who cared for her. Erma Yoder was a loyal friend throughout her life and provided untiring care during her extended illness.

Survivors include two sisters, Wilma Srof of Goshen and Juanita Dietz of Fort Benton, Mont.; and a brother, B.R. Pletcher Jr. of Perryton.

She was preceded in death by her adopted daughter, Wanda G. Guice.

Funeral services were held at College Mennonite Church.