Margaret Miles

Memorial Services for Margaret Miles, 96, of Viola will be Tuesday at 2:00 PM at the Viola United Presbyterian Church, with Lay Pastor Sheila Sheer officiating. Private inurnment will be at a later date in Viola Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Viola United Presbyterian Church or the Mercer County Nursing Home. Speer Funeral Home, Aledo is in charge of arrangements. Margaret died Friday, December 16, 2005 at the Mercer County Nursing Home. Margaret was born on June 13, 1909 to Dr. Walter and Mary Elzina (Collins) Miles in the family home in Viola, where she resided her entire life. She was very proud of the fact that the Collins family was one of the first settlers in Mercer County. Margaret received her teaching degree from Monmouth College. She started teaching in the country schools in Sedwick and Suez Township, then Elementary school in Matherville before accepting a position at Aledo High School as a chemistry teacher that spanned 53 years. She was a dedicated teacher who encouraged countless students to attend college and was awarded a certificate from Monmouth College in 1979 for her efforts at bringing students to its campus. Margaret was a member of the Viola United Presbyterian Church; the American Chemical Society; Mercer County Women for Women and the Retired Teachers Group. Margaret enjoyed helping others and often drove friends to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She was a true friend to many, especially as a teacher, and her final request was to help teach Medical Students at the Mayo Clinic by bequesting her remains to them. Margaret is survived by several cousins and special friends: Ken & Mary DeSchepper of Viola; Edith Nesbitt and Marchia Forber, of Aledo.