MARGARET B. THIEL, 92, of Winfield, Kansas, entered into eternal rest on Friday afternoon, June 11, 2010 at Winfield Rest Haven after a courageous battle with old age.

Born July 12, 1917 in rural Wichita, Kansas, she was the daughter of Clarence L. and Katie (England) Somers. She was raised and educated in rural Wichita and Derby, graduating from Derby High School in 1936.

Margaret was united in marriage to Floyd A. Thiel on March 24, 1939 in Valley Center. To this union, four children were born. Margaret was the wife of a farmer, spending each day working alongside her husband and raising her family. They lived and farmed in the rural Wichita and Derby areas from 1939 until 1947, and they farmed near Howard, Kansas for two years prior to moving to the Winfield area in 1949. The Thiels lived and worked on their farm near New Salem for many years until retiring from active farming in 1985. Mr. Thiel preceded her in death on April 30, 1997.

Margaret was a member of Tisdale United Methodist Church and the Tri Township Extension Unit. She served on the Extension Board and was a unit member for over 50 years. She was actively involved in the Red Cross and was Canteen Chairman for Northern Cowley County for 20 years. Margaret enjoyed spending time with her family. She treasured life in general and all of her memories from her childhood days on the farm. She enjoyed her bible study groups with the ladies from the Wilmot Community. Margaret was a strong and bright beacon in the lives of her children. She was an example to all who knew her in honesty, integrity and hard work. Today, we know she is with her loved ones that have passed on before her and patiently waiting for the rest of her family to join her.

Her family includes:
Her sons: Larry D. Thiel and wife, Charlotte; Ronnie L. Thiel and wife, Evelyn; and Daryl B. Thiel and wife, Marcia, all of Winfield;
Her daughter: Barbara Belveal and husband, Loyd of Wichita, Kansas;
Her brother: Charles Somers of Derby, Kansas;
Her sister: Betty Phillippe of Derby, Kansas;
Her sister-in-law: Lila Houser of Derby, Kansas;
Her 12 grandchildren: Kimberly Brewer and husband, Melton, Mark Belveal, Julie Hopkins and husband, Brian, Brian Thiel and wife, Vickie, Brady Thiel and wife, Nickki, Eric Thiel and wife, Amy, Barry Thiel, Brooke Lowe and husband, Jeff, Josh Youle, Gwen Stout and husband, Brian, Aaron Cole and wife, Denise, and Paige Wysocki and husband, Bill; and
Her 26 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband and her mother and father, her brother, Howard Somers and her sisters, Mary Reid and Virginia Kanaga.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Tisdale Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday evening from 4 to 8. The family will greet visitors from 6 to 8 that evening.

Memorials have been established in Mrs. Thiel's name for the Tisdale United Methodist Church Building Fund and for the Red Cross Disaster Fund. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.