Margaret was a graduate of Mansfield High School and worked early on at Westinghouse Electric. In her career, she became Clerk of Courts for Richland County and served Municipal Courts of Mansfield.
She raised her family on Manchester Rd in Mansfield until she retired to The Waterford Senior Living and lastly joining her family in the Columbus Area. She has been a member of the Park Ave Baptist / Diamond Hills Baptist Church since 1932. She enjoyed serving on various committees for PAB. Margaret was an avid quilter and was a member of the Pleasant Valley Quilters.
She also was a devoted member of the Pythian Sisters, Jefferson Temple 389. She was honored to serve as a District Deputy, of the Pythian Sisters of Ohio. She has been an active member and kept in contact with her sisters throughout her life. Margaret had a wonderful sense of humor and always enjoyed being a positive influence in all situations. She loved to do ancestry research, travel, and write poetry.
Preceded in death by her parents, 4 siblings, John, Robert, Florice and Helen, and her daughter Georgene Birmelin Ford, son in law Carl Christian Ford, and a grandson Brian Kit Ford.
Margaret was married to Paul F. Birmelin, and they divorced and Paul Ritchie, deceased. She had 2 children, Georgene Birmelin Ford and Charles T. Birmelin and was married mother of Marjorie Fry, Richard Ritchie, and Donald Ritchie.
She is survived by son Charles T. Birmelin of Westerville; Granddaughter Sally Ford-Lyles (Kevin Lyles); Grandson Michael Charles Ford (Cheryl Bevan), and Brian’s wife, Annette Ford. Great Grandchildren, Mathew Haner (Liz), Michael Ford (Emma), Kate Lyles, Devoney Charnier (Dominic), Alexander Lyles (Lily); and her precious Great Great Grandchildren Oliver, Giorgia, Meredith, Riley, and Will. Nephew Richard Brean (Kate) of Buffalo NY and other wonderful family members and great friends.
“In my journey of life, I have loved my family, friends, and wish you a good life and God’s Blessings.”
A celebration of a life well lived with Pastor Chris Thomas presiding will be on November 9, 2024; calling hour at 10:00 am, service at 11:00 AM at Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St Mansfield Ohio 44902.
