Margaret Lyon

TOLEDO-Margaret C. Lyon, 99, of Toledo, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025 at Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama with Father Michael McAndrew and Deacon Stan Upah officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Tama. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 4-7 PM at St. Patrick Catholic Church with a Vigil Service at 7 PM followed by the Rosary.

Margaret C. Lyon was born in Montour, Iowa on July 26, 1925, the daughter of Russell and Grace (Wade) Holmes. Growing up on several area farms, she graduated from Montour High School, and lived most of her adult life in Tama County.

After high school graduation, she attended Iowa State University prior to contributing to the war effort by working for the Air Force in Ohio. In 1946, she traveled to New York to marry Howard Lyon. Later, they moved back to Toledo to the Lyon family farm. She was a vital partner and support in the farming operation.

Margaret and Howard raised thirteen children. Margaret also extended her home and arms to several “adopted children”. She was dedicated to her family, her church and her community.

Margaret was well known for her homemade bread, pies and kolaches, quilting, and gardening. She was active in church and community activities, including volunteering at the library, Marshalltown Hospital, 4-H, and numerous other organizations over many years. Her greatest joy was gathering with friends and family. She loved baking, playing games and having hot dog roasts with her grandchildren, walking outdoors, and enjoying nature.

After Howard died in 1989, Margaret remained on the farm until 2001 when she built her home in Toledo. In her later years, she enjoyed traveling to visit family and experiencing adventures around the world.

Survivors include her children, Carol (Bob) Howard of Walker, MN, Mary (Joe) Paulsen of Norwalk, Beth (Don) Williams of Nevada, James Lyon of Toledo, Stuart (Deb) Lyon of Toledo, Marcia (Dan) Musgrove of Iowa City, Peter (Mary Ann) Lyon of Toledo, Tony (Tina) Lyon of Reinbeck, Janet Lyon of Indianola, Margaret “Peggy” Lyon of Iowa City, Howard Jon (Carol Ann) Lyon of Maple Grove, MN, David (Suzy) Lyon of Kamas, UT and Chris (Lillian) Lyon of Sunnyvale, CA. Her extended family includes her beloved 35 grandchildren, 91 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. She is survived by sisters Jean Hinegardner and Ardis Babcock and brother John (Margie) Holmes. She had a special place in her heart for Molly, Nancy, Tony, LaDonna and numerous nieces and nephews who became extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; parents Russell and Grace Holmes; sister Clarice (Dean) Umdenstock; brother Bill (Carol Ann) Holmes; in-laws Oris Hinegardner, Jack Babcock, and Earl and Helen Lyon, Durward (Carolyn) Lyon, G Joe (Norma) Lyon, Tom Lyon, Bill (Jean) Zmolek; daughter-in-law, Veronica Lyon; grandson, Alex DeTennis; and great-granddaughter, Elizabeth “Ellie” Williams.

A special thank you to the staff and friends at Birkwood Village for the warm welcome, friendship and care over the past two years.

A memorial fund will be established.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.