Margaret H. Church, 86, of Galesburg, died at 4:22 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2025, at home.
She was born September 26, 1938, in Madisonville, Kentucky, the daughter of Leonard and Lola (Mason) Huddleston. She married Jimmie C. Church on August 16, 1958, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on April 1, 2011, after more than 52 years of marriage.
Surviving are three children, Melody (Bob) Diehl of Galesburg, Steven (Tracey) Church of New Bern, North Carolina, and Penny Schalk of Peoria; 13 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; three sisters, Sarah Day, Faye Key, and Gaye (Roger) Matheny, all of Madisonville, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Clifton Huddleston.
Margaret was raised and educated in Madisonville, where she graduated from Madisonville High School in 1956. She had lived in Galesburg since 1958. She was a homemaker and loved to create arts and crafts. She was a member of the First Church of God and was very involved in church activities. Margaret’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at First Church of God. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Rev. Don Reynolds will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to First Church of God. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
