Margaret E. (Brothers) Harkleroad, 97, died peacefully at home on Sunday, August 22, 2021.
She was born January 23, 1924 in Burnside Township, Clearfield County. She was the daughter of Melvin C. Brothers and Annie M. (Caldwell) Brothers. She married Howard Harkleroad on April 27, 1947. He predeceased her in 2012.
Margaret graduated from Cherry Tree High School in 1942 and completed a semester at Indiana Normal School. Regretfully she could not afford to continue there. From that life experience, she ensured that each of her children had a plan and the means to a college education. She worked in Lancaster PA during World War II as a “Rosie the Riveter”. Margaret ‘kept the books’ for Long View Farm, supported the farming operations in numerous ways, and was a homemaker as well.
Margaret was a member of East Ridge Harmony United Methodist Church in Westover PA. She was a member of the Harmony Grange for more than 50 years. She was a founding volunteer for the annual Harmony Grange Fair; managing the canned goods department from its’ beginning until 10 years ago, as well as working in the kitchen to help prepare the homemade food served from Grange stands and for Grange dinners. She also was the ‘apple lady’ at the Harkleroad’s Apple stand at the Harmony Grange Fair, keeping the butter bowl full of shiny apples.
Margaret was a supporter of youth development and education. Through the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) she and her family hosted a young woman from New Zealand. Years later Margaret and Howard were able to be hosted in an exchange visit and travelled to New Zealand to stay with their original guest.
Margaret also believed in personal development and attended and completed a Dale Carnegie course. Margaret participated in hobby clubs, social groups and other community civic and educational groups.
Margaret is survived by her children Alice (Hugh) Daly of Dubois, Joe Harkleroad of Westover, Ellen (Pete) Marshall of Falls Creek, and Andy (Teri) Harkleroad of Cherry Tree, her granddaughters Nic (Keith) Becker of Altoona, Andrea (Marc) Wilson of Danville, her grandsons Quinn (Emily) Daly of Burlington VT, Owen (Joselyn) Daly of Durham NC, and her great granddaughter Kara Jo Feaster of Altoona. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Margaret was the last surviving member of her family having been predeceased by her sister Mildred (Brothers) Kopp, and her brothers Alden Brothers, Clyde Brothers and Edgar Brothers.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life service at the East Ridge Harmony United Methodist Church, 1713 Ridge Road, Westover PA 16692 on Saturday August 28 at 1:00 p.m. A lunch will be served following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the East Ridge Harmony United Methodist Church. Arrangements are with McCabe~Roof Funeral Home in Clymer. Online tributes and condolences can be made and seen at their website – www.mccaberooffh.com.
