Margaret Ann Musbach

Margaret Ann was born at home on the family farm in Okemos, MI to William and Mary Louisa (VanSycle) Black on February 24, 1935. She graduated from Okemos High School in 1953 and then attended Albion College where she was a part of the synchronized swim team. She met a handsome young man named Wayne Musbach from Munith, MI in the summer of 1954 at the Jackson County Fair. They were married August 14,1955.

Margaret’s work ethic was unmatched as was her courage to be a trailblazer and jump head first into any job whether it had even been attempted before or not. Whatever it was, she knew she could do it. Margaret wore many different hats over the years while raising their four children together with Wayne and running a dairy farm. A true pioneer, she was the first female postal worker in Stockbridge, MI and also the first emergency room clerk at Pennock Hospital. She was a bus driver for Stockbridge schools and later a junior high physical education teacher for Lakewood Public Schools. She was a girls’ basketball coach and cheerleading coach as well. Many will remember her as a teller at the Hastings Savings and Loan in Lake Odessa and receptionist at Mainstreet Bank in Hastings.

Margaret was known for her high energy and positive outlook on life. Her biggest pride in life was her family. Her kids, grandkids and great grandkids brought her more joy than anything else. To Margaret, her family is her true legacy. Family to Margaret was not limited to blood relation. She was quick with loving words of wisdom and a big hug for anyone. When Margaret gave you one of her signature hugs, you were family to her.

The only thing bigger than Margaret’s reputation for being a hard and efficient worker was her reputation for being a comedian and a practical joker. Starting water fights, showing up to work or her children’s high school in full costume; you never knew what Margaret was going to do. Handing Margaret a microphone was always dangerous. Her children and older grandchildren learned early it was best to duck down and avoid eye contact when it was her turn to do the children’s sermon at church. If you were the one she spotted in the pew first, you were definitely about to be made an example of in front of the entire congregation. Her family still loves to reminisce about the time they were called out in Margaret’s children’s sermon.

Truth of the matter is, there was nobody with a bigger heart and nobody with more love for her family, community, and the Lord. Margaret will be missed by so many. All who knew her have a fond memory to think about and smile or laugh about.

Margaret was preceded in death and welcomed into heaven by her parents, William and Mary Louisa Black, sisters Ada (Black) Huyck Mead, Jean Marie (Black) Britt, Mary Lou (Black) Ramsey, and Georgia Kaye (Black) Kreider. Also, brothers Alec Black and William Mackie (Bill) Black and granddaughter Paula Jean Musbach.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Wayne Musbach. Her children, Donita (Stanley) Rice, Douglas (Lois) Musbach, Doreen (Denny) Ackerson, and Duane (Deanna) Musbach. Grandchildren Jessica (Victor) Stank, Nick (Sadie) Rice, Melanie (Jeff) Beltinck, Alec (Kasey) Rice, Jaclyn Russ, Warren Lockridge, Jordan Musbach, Jamie Russ, Rodney Ostrowski, Justin (Laura) Russ, Travis (Carolyn) Musbach, Ryne (Sierra) Musbach, Erik Musbach and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and special friends.

The family will be receiving visitors at Koop’s Funeral Home in Lake Odessa from 6:00 - 8:00 on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 and from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on March 11, 2021 at Lakewood United Methodist Church. A celebration of life will be held at the church at 11:00 on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Margaret’s final resting place will be at Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made in Margaret’s memory to Starr Commonwealth, Manna’s Market or a deserving charity of your choice.

Per the MDHHS we are limited to 25 people at a time in the funeral home, masks and social distancing will be observed.