Margaret "Marge" Ann Meyer's Obituary
Margaret "Marge" Ann Meyer, age 86, of Centerville, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at her home surrounded by family.
Marge was born on February 21, 1939 in Kellog, Iowa, the daughter of Orvil Sidney Weston and Leon Crystal (Tippetts) Weston. Marge grew up on a farm with her parents and siblings in rural Jasper County, Iowa. As a child, Marge would ride her pony to piano lessons (she enjoyed riding the pony more than the piano lessons). In her formative years, she attended Barrett country school. She graduated from Kellog High School, and continued her education at the University of Iowa where she studied art history. During her time as an undergraduate, and unbeknownst to her parents, Marge and several of her girlfriends took a trip to see the Hawkeyes play in the Rose Bowl in a car they purchased for twenty-five dollars. Her parents learned of the trip through an article on the front page of the Des Moines Register. Later, at Northeast Missouri State, she earned her master's degree in early education. On September 12, 1959, Marge was united in marriage to Donald Meyer in Kellog, Iowa. To this union, three children were born, Cindy, Robert and Allison. The couple spent almost 45 years together, until May 6, 2004, when Donald passed away. Marge later married Arthur Vernon Bates, where she gained three bonus children, Carla, Tom and Brian.
Marge was a teacher for many years at St. Mary's Catholic School in Centerville. She loved to be active in the community. She was a member of the P.E.O., T.T.T., the quilting club, a past member of the Appanoose County Historical Society, a volunteer at the food pantry and Meals On Wheels, was active in the 18-80 club, as well as the Jaycee's program. She was also a member of the First Lutheran Church in Centerville.
In her free time, Marge enjoyed painting and doing anything artistic. She was an avid reader, also enjoyed traveling, cooking and hosting dinners for friends and family, gardening, riding horses, fishing and playing bridge with her friends. Marge had a passion for wine and would make regular trips to local wineries. Her travel adventures led her to Italy, Mexico, Canada, the Bahamas and the Caribbean in addition to many destinations in the US. Her interest in horses was shared with her granddaughters and great-granddaughter. Several of her descendants also shared her artistic talents.
Left to cherish Marge's memory are her children, Cindy (Greg) Cowan, Robert (Shawna) Meyer, and Allison (Hap) Haas; her step-children, Carla Bates, Tom Bates (Diana Gordin), Brian (Stephanie) Bates; her grandchildren, Lisa Katter (Todd Barker), Nicole (Seth) Cramer, Garrett (Hailey) Cowan, Adrian Meyer, Makaya Meyer (Jacob Biondi), Wes Meyer, and Sarah Haas; her step-grandchild, Gavin (Regina) Cowan; great grandchildren, Gage Barker, Caden Barker, Kell Barker, Slate Barker, Colt Barker, Knox Barker, Sloan Barker, Ethan Millhouse, Blane Cowan, Emma Cowan, Gracey Cowan, and Arthur Biondi; her siblings, Carolyn Brown, Phil (Sandy) Weston, and James Weston; as well as several extended friends and family members.
Marge was preceded in death by both of her husbands, Donald Meyer and Arthur Bates; her parents, Orvil "Pat" and Leon "Crystal" Weston; her step children, Jeff Bates and Connie Bates; her siblings, David (Delores) Weston, and Nancy Welsch; and a brother-in-law, Dr. Lou Brown.
Per wishes, cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30AM, Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the First Lutheran Church in Centerville with Dr. Jeremy McElvain officiating. Burial will follow the service at Mt. Ararat Cemetery, east of Centerville. Visitation will take place Friday, March 14, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 5-7PM. Memorials in honor of Marge have been established to Drake Public Library and the First Lutheran Church of Centerville, IA, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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