Margaret J. “Peg” Ware, 87, of Midland, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sisterin-law, aunt and devoted friend and mentor to so many, died with grace on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012 surrounded by her family to comfort her and to let her know what a gift she had been to them as they watched her peacefully transition to her everlasting life and a reunion with her husband, parents, family and friends. Peg was born on June 27, 1924 in Arcadia to Fred A. and Charity M. (Argue) Wareham. She was raised in a Christian family and from a young age had a special relationship with her Lord. She grew up in Arcadia and then in her senior year of high school she moved to Bear Lake where she graduated. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ernest (Ernie) Ware. They were married March 21, 1943 and lived in various places while Ernie was in the Air Force. After the service, they returned to Bear Lake where their three children were born and where they made their home until 1956 when Ernie’s work brought them to Midland. In 1958 Peg began her career at The Dow Chemical Company where she worked until she retired in 1986. She had a real talent for decorating their homes and always made them warm and inviting to her family and friends. Gardening and feeding the birds were hobbies that she enjoyed and she loved music, playing the piano and singing. Peg was such a positive person and an inspiration to all who knew her. She was a friend to everyone and always offered encouragement and praise. You couldn’t help but want to be a better person after spending time with her. She and Ernie enjoyed many years of retirement at their home on Bear Lake and winters in Sarasota, Florida. Ernie predeceased her in 2002, and in 2006 she moved back to Midland to be near her family. Peg will be lovingly remembered by her children, Holly (Ed) Hallberg, Hal (Diana) Ware all of Midland, Dan (Astra) Ware of Holland, and by her grandchildren Jamie (Scott) Ware, Amy (Marc) Ware, Thad (Lori) Hallberg, Dan (Angela) Ware all of Midland, and Alyssa and Krista Ware of Holland, by her great grandchildren, Morgan and Trevor Hallberg, Kayla and Tesa Ware, Blake Watson, Alayna Ware and Danika Wargo. Also by her sister-in-law, Elaine Hooghuis and nieces Brenda Hooghuis and Sheri Luedtke of Midland, Peg Bass, Sally (David) King-Reed and nephews George (Kay) Schafer and David (Wanda) Schafer all of Bear Lake. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Helen (George) Schafer and brother-in-law Albert (Red) Hooghuis, and a niece Patricia Bacon. A celebration of Peg’s life will take place at 11 a.m. Feb. 3 at the First United Methodist Church, 315 W. Larkin St. at Main in Midland, with Rev. Dr. Charles Keyworth officiating. Peg’s family will receive friends on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler St., Midland, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The family would like to express their gratitude for the love and kindness shown to Peg by her friends and staff at Riverside Place and to the special care provided by Heartland Home Care and Hospice. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the First United Methodist Church in Midland or Bear Lake, the 1016 House in Midland, DeWitt Woman’s Retreat House or to Heartland Home Care and Hospice. www.waresmithwoolever. com.
Source: Manistee News Advocate, The (MI) – Wednesday, February 1, 2012
