Margaret and Harlan Blake, obituaries

Summer 2012 at a family get together, Margaret and Harlan

Margaret's h.s. graduation photo, and Pinecrest Newsletter photo 2016

Margaret was my father's first cousin, niece of his mother. I first met her when she was about 16 and living on her parents' farm.  


Margaret L. Blake, age 88, died Friday January 20, 2017 in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home with her family by her side. Margaret was born June 11, 1928 in Rockford, IL the daughter of John & Cora (Ballard) Conway. She graduated from Mt. Morris High School class of 1946. Margaret married Harlan Blake December 27, 1950 in Mt. Morris, IL. Margaret worked for Kable News Company, Kable Printing Company, and Wood Brothers in Oregon, IL, where she was a time -keeper. She was a life member of the Mt. Morris Church of The Brethren, women’s fellowship, women of woods, Ogle County Home Extension where she was homemaker of the year in 1990, Mary Martha Club of Leaf River, IL, 4-H leader for many years, she planned many bus trips for various groups, she taught many to knit, crochet, and sew, and she loved many different types of crafts which include: weaving baskets, making porcelain dolls, caning chairs and refinishing furniture, jewelry making, teddy bear making, marquetry (wood inlays), arraigning flowers, and doing ceramics. She loved to travel visiting all 50 states, all of Canada, and several European Countries. Margaret spent many hours canning and cooking her Sunday Family Dinner.

Margaret is survived by daughter: Sharleen (Rick) Rand, DeKalb, IL; 2 Grandsons: Bryan (Renata) Rand, DeKalb, IL and Kevin Rand, DeKalb, IL; 2 Great Granddaughters: Aliyah and Kayden Rand, DeKalb, IL.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, husband: Harlan Blake in 2016.

Funeral services will be held Thursday January 26, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in the Mt. Morris Church of The Brethren with Rev. Virginia Haney officiating. Burial will be in Silver Creek Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL. Visitation will be held Thursday January 26, 2017 from 9:30 A.M. until service time in the Mt. Morris Church of The Brethren.

Memorials to Mt. Morris Church of The Brethren, Silver Creek Cemetery and/or Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home.
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Harlan E. Blake, age 97, died Sunday January 10, 2016 in The Serenity Hospice and Home, Oregon, IL. Harlan was born December 31, 1918 in Leaf River, IL the son of Hugh & Kathryn (Long) Blake. Harlan graduated from Mt. Morris High School Class of 1936. Harlan married Margaret Conway on December 27, 1950 in Mt. Morris, IL. Harlan served in the US Army during WWII where he received many service decorations; serving in the New Guinea, Leyte, Luzon, and when the war ended he was on Mindanao. Harlan was a 32 degree Mason, VFW Member, 50 year member of Farm Bureau, Silver Creek Cemetery Association, Mt. Morris Church of The Brethren, he played and loved sports, he enjoyed gardening, his fruit trees, and being around all his animals, he visited all fifty states along with several countries.

Harlan is survived by his Wife: Margaret Blake, Leaf River, IL; Daughter: Sharleen (Rick) Rand, DeKalb, IL; 2 Grandsons: Bryan (Renata) Rand, DeKalb, IL and Kevin Rand, DeKalb, IL; 2 Great Granddaughters: Aliyah and Kayden Rand, DeKalb, IL. Harlan is preceded in death by his Parents.

Per Harlan’s request there will be a private family service held at the graveside, with Rev. Virginia Haney officiating. There will be a memorial gathering at a later date. Memorials to Mt. Morris Church of The Brethren, VFW, American Legion, and /or Serenity Hospice and Home.