Margaret Ryals Gordon

She married Philip Ryals in 1948. They lived for a time in Missouri, Kansas, and California, before settling and residing in northwest Indiana for many years. She was an active member of both First Baptist and Central Baptist churches in Hobart, Indiana. She and Philip loved camping, traveled extensively while raising their daughters, and ultimately visited 48 states. They shared 57 years of marriage before Philip’s death. In 2014, she married Russell Gordon, who passed away in 2015.

Margaret was a loving wife and mother, who took great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook, whose carrot cakes and apple slices will be particularly missed. She had many friends, and always placed the needs of her family and friends above her own. Her life reflected her strong Christian faith, and she dearly loved gospel music and singing hymns.

In 2016, she moved to the Indianapolis area. Her family extends their gratitude to St. Vincent Hospice and Marquette Manor, whose staffs lent their care and comfort to Margaret in her final days.

Margaret was also preceded in death by her sister Mable Kirk, and her brother, Charles (Billy) Thompson. She is survived by her daughters, Janet (Patrick) Linquist of Carmel, Indiana, and Debora (Carl) Olejniczek of Avon, Indiana, grandchildren Todd (Olivia) Linquist and Jeannette (Ramiro) Alcocer Olejniczek, and great-grandchildren Gabriella and Greta Linquist, Maddox Shamet, and Annelinda and Millijane Alcocer Olejniczek, beloved sister-in-law Mary Thompson, stepdaughter and dear friend Marsha Humphrey, special niece Diana Douthit, and numerous cousins.

Her funeral will be on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Union Chapel United Methodist Church, 2720 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis IN 46260. Visitation at the church will be at 4:00 p.m., followed by services at 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). Interment will be on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Graceland Cemetery, 1505 E. Morthland Drive, Valparaiso IN 46383. Visitation at the chapel will be at 1:00 p.m., followed by graveside services at 2:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time). Memorial contributions may be made to the Union Chapel UMC Building Fund.