Margaret B. Arnson

Margaret Arnson was a truly special woman, a woman who spent her entire life teaching others. She taught us all so much, how to love, how to live, and how to never, ever give up. She taught us to never fear the storm clouds overhead, no matter how dark they drew our days. More than anything, Margaret taught us to have faith, in ourselves, and in each other. Margaret Barbara Arnson was born March 5, 1917, on a chilly Monday in the little town of Crystal Township, Michigan, up north in Oceana County. Margaret was the only child of William and Josephine (Frishette) Straley, as her mother suffered a weakened heart. But they were proud of their daughter, who bore a great tradition along with her middle name - Barbara, She was one of eight generations of Barbaras in their family, which alternated between the first and middle names. Margaret was raised on the farm, while work moved the family to Muskegon later in life. Margaret loved the farm, though. She loved to stay behind with her grandfather on Sunday mornings, when the rest of the family went to church, helping her granddad tend to the animals. Together they shared so many special moments. Margaret loved sitting with her Grandpa, watching the storms roll in from the West, across the lake, over the hills and into their fields. Oh, how she loved those storms, the crash of thunder and crack of lightning. She even enjoyed the tornadoes. But she was always fearless. Even after the family moved to Muskegon, Margaret would return to the farm in the summertime, to spend time with her cousins, and to run through those fields again. Her mother was an expert seamstress, however, a skill that kept food on the family table during those hard times, and a skill she passed on to her daughter. Margaret would continue knitting and crocheting as a hobby her whole life. Through her mother's love, dedication and hard work, Margaret was able to attend Muskegon Community College, and then on to Western State Teacher's College (now Western Michigan University), where she proudly earned her Bachelor's of Arts degree. Margaret saw firsthand how important an education was, and what kind of sacrifice it was worth to achieve an education. After graduating, she taught physical education for two years at Holton School in Muskegon, followed by a 30-year career teaching first grade at Orchard View Schools, retiring in 1982. But Margaret learned more than just how to teach while in college, she also learned about love. One day she went "cruising" with a girlfriend on Western Avenue in Muskegon, and met a young man named Lloyd Arnson, who caught her eye. It didn't take long for the two to fall in love, and they were married August 25, 1941 in Muskegon, right after Margaret graduated from college. Together the happy young couple was blessed with four beautiful children, sons William, Robert and John, and a daughter named - you guessed it - Barbara. Margaret made an amazing wife and mother, always teaching them, and encouraging them. When Lloyd's arthritis became too hindering to his job as a mechanic, Margaret encouraged and supported him as he went to receive his teaching degree, as well. But sadly, Lloyd died on December 7, 1965, and Margaret was left to raise the children herself. Faced with this daunting challenge, many would have fallen into despair. But not Margaret, not ever. She was fearless, and she always remained positive to her family, always encouraged them, always provided for them. Her continual encouragement kept the family going during those hard times, as the storm clouds darkened, and she saw them through to brighter days. Her daughter Barb fondly remembers those days, when the family had one car to share, and Margaret would let Barb drop her off at school before continuing on to Muskegon Community College by herself. Barb felt really "cool" arriving at school in her own car, something Margaret knew meant a lot to her. But that was Margaret, always thinking of others, always doing what she could for her family. Barb's most significant memory was of her mother's absolute dedication to put her daughter through college. But of course Margaret would. She knew how important an education was, and knew the sacrifices her own mother made to do the same. If she couldn't give them anything else, Margaret was going to make sure her children received their educations, and her love. Margaret was such a wonderful, caring and loving mother, traits she passed on dearly to her family. She always taught by word and deed, leading by example, and encouraging others to do the same. After she retired, Margaret took up painting as a hobby, both oil and watercolor, but a shoulder replacement required her to leave some paintings unfinished. She also enjoyed traveling in her Chevy Van, especially when her grandkids could go with her. She also loved to watch the Weather Channel, although her macular degeneration made storms "scary" for the first and only time in her life. So the Weather Channel was replaced by the Cartoon Network (Powderpuff Girls were her favorite!). Margaret lived independently right up to her last days, with only assisted living for a brief time and a nursing home stay for just a few days. But she was always a very independent person, and having grown up during the teeth of the Great Depression, a bit of a pack-rat, as well. She moved from a five-bedroom home to an apartment, and had a hard time getting rid of things. Many of her possessions will be donated, which is what she would want, anyway. She was always giving, always teaching. Margaret also loved the Serenity Prayer, and truly taught its message by her example: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. God truly granted Margaret all of those things, and so much more. He gave her courage, He gave her wisdom, and He gave her strength. And most of all, He gave her a great love, which she so graciously, willingly shared with all of us. She will be greatly missed. Members of Margaret's family include: Three sons, William (Rita) Arnson of Peyton, CO, Robert L. Arnson of White Lake & John A. Arnson of Twin Lake; 1 daughter, Barbara (Larry) Reynolds of North Muskegon; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd on December 7, 1965.