Margaret Pearl Haldeman, 90, died Nov. 28, 2005. She was born April 18, 1915, in Adel, Iowa, the daughter of Orlo E. and Maggie Messamer.

She graduated from Adel High School in 1933 and from Mc-Pherson College in 1937. She worked her way through McPherson by baby-sitting and cleaning houses in exchange for tuition. After graduation, she taught for one year, grades 1 through 12, at a rural one-room schoolhouse in Wiley, Colo. On June 9, 1938, she married Lowell Haldeman of Hope, Kan. Their long and happy life together was a source of strength for them and for their children.

Margaret enjoyed telling stories about growing up in Iowa, about her college years, and especially, about the summer she and Lowell became engaged, while she was working as a cook on a dude ranch at Jenny Lake, in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming.

While their children were growing up, she and Lowell traveled with them throughout the Western states. Margaret passed on to the children her love of the Western landscape, especially the Colorado Rockies and the Tetons. Later, she and Lowell traveled abroad: Two trips to India were highlights for them.

A woman of broad and deep interests, Margaret was a great reader, a skillful seamstress, an enthusiastic gardener and a creative cook. Genuinely interested in people, she was a source of advice and wisdom for family and friends. Her outspoken and courageous approach to life and its complexities has inspired countless family stories.

She is survived by Lowell Haldeman, her husband of 67 years. Other survivors include: two daughters, Joanne Edmonds and husband, Tony, Muncie, Ind., and Francie Brown and husband, Barry, Houston, Texas; one son, Dwight Lowell, Nashville, Tenn.; one brother, Howard Messamer, Long Beach, Calif.; six grandchildren, Anthony and wife, Jenn, Chicago, Ill., Daniel, New York, N.Y., Shannon and wife, Dana, San Jose, Calif., Sam, Muncie, Ind., Whitney, Nashville, Tenn., and Max, Nashville, Tenn.; and one great-grandchild, Naomi Pearl, San Jose, Calif.

She was preceded in death by two brothers; and three sisters.

A private memorial service is planned. Friends may sign the register book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church or to Hospice of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 North Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.