Margaret LeRose Boots was born March 30, 1924, in Dallas County, Iowa. She spent a happy childhood with her parents, Harry Oscar and Lenna (Tucker) Boots in Marne, Iowa. Margaret graduated from high school in nearby Atlantic, Iowa, with the class of 1941. The yearbook description accompanying her senior picture captured her essence and was true even at age 93: “Cheerful, charming, and chummy.”

Following graduation, Margaret attended Grinnell College and the American Institute of Business in Des Moines. She worked in the Iowa State House and legislature and also for the Ration Board during WWII. A romance with King Batschelet blossomed through correspondence while King was in the Navy, and they married on January 24, 1944, when he was home on leave. The couple moved to Guthrie Center, Iowa, in 1947, after King completed law school. Theirs was a strong marriage, lasting until King’s passing in 1992.

As a child, Margaret sang duets with her father, which was just the beginning of a lifetime of musical pleasure and contributions. Her parents sold a cow and used the money to buy a piano so she could take lessons, which led to her playing the piano for Sunday School and church before she was even in high school. As an adult, she was organist at First Presbyterian Church in Guthrie Center for 68 years, from 1949 – 2017, and made it a priority to be there every Sunday. Many local youth learned to play piano or organ from her instruction, and she regularly accompanied students at music contests. Adult vocalists and OES chapters relied on her accompanying abilities, which she continued until the time of her death.

Margaret’s leadership skills and commitment were evident in local and regional church activities. She served as Sunday School Superintendent at First Presbyterian Church, where she joyfully led worship, played rousing songs, and purchased birthday cakes for each child. She was the first female elder of the congregation, served as Clerk of Session, and was active in Mariners and Presbyterian Women. Margaret was the first female moderator of Southwest Presbytery and a Commissioner to General Assembly in Atlanta in 1963. She served on the National Executive Committee of the United Presbyterian Women, and was proud of composing the theme song, “What Time Is It, O Lord?” for their national meeting in 1969. Margaret also served as a counselor at church camps for many years and accompanied the Sr. High youth on two mission trips.

Margaret was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) for over seventy years. She served as an officer in her local chapter and was elected Worthy Grand Matron of the State of Iowa in 1987. She was an effective and positive leader, and made many good friends as she traveled the state to OES events, driving thousands of miles in all kinds of weather, even into her nineties. Margaret was also a member and president of the Board of Grand Trustees of Iowa OES Grand Chapter.

She was a 50-year member and past president of Chapter BY, P.E.O. Sisterhood and also served on the Board of Directors of the Guthrie County State Bank. Margaret will be remembered for her positive attitude, musical talent, encouragement of others, friendliness, determination, and strength. She was an amazing woman who was an inspiration to others.

Margaret died on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at The New Homestead in Guthrie Center. Family left to cherish her memory are son William and wife Margaret of Arvada, CO.; son Robert and wife Cheryl of Lake Panorama, IA.; daughter Carol Brotherson and husband Gary of Burlington, IA.; Grandchildren Josh (Molly) Batschelet of Austin, TX; Ben Batschelet of Austin, TX; Cheri (Mike) Coutermash of Faribault, MN; Brenda Batschelet of Jefferson, IA; Susan (Tim) Kramer of Clive, IA; Peter (Michelle) Batschelet of Scottsdale, AZ; Jeff (Ann) Brotherson of Burlington, IA; Rich (Kristen) Brotherson of Ft. Worth, TX; and Great-Grandchildren Henry and Lucy Batschelet; Dylan, Kasey, and Tyler Coutermash; Arie Kramer; Blake and Collins Batschelet; Alexis and Stephanie Brotherson; and Gus and Frankie Brotherson.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society will be appreciated.

Obituary was published by Twigg Funeral Home
.