BENZONIA, Mich. — Margaret Ellen Dymond Laubach, 95 years old, died July 1, 2024, less than a mile from where she was born. Margaret was born February 5, 1929 in Benzonia, Michigan to James E. and Ellen (MacNeish) Dymond.

Margaret grew up in Benzie County on an apple and cherry orchard north of Honor on Dymond Road, participating in 4H and attending Honor schools, graduating valedictorian at Honor High School. Margaret then attended Rockford College (Illinois) and Michigan State University.

Following graduation she taught in Battle Creek where she met George and married June 20, 1953. Starting her family in Rockford, Illinois they moved to Rochelle, Illinois in 1962 where George began an Optometry practice. Margaret and family traveled to Benzie County every year to vacation on the orchard and later a family cottage on Platte Lake.

In Rochelle, Margaret and George attended 1st Presbyterian Church, hosted many family and friends’ dinners and gatherings, and were active in many civic organizations. Margaret was instrumental as founding member of the Rochelle League of Women Voters and president. Margaret prepared huge Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners that were attended by family near and far, and included large family solitaire card games which were very competitive and fun.

Upon retirement, Margaret and George moved to Benzie County, to be near their childhood roots and family. Margaret continued to host dinners and holiday gatherings, baking cherry and apple pies, making jam from seasonal fruits, and attending St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Margaret also spent many years tutoring children volunteering at the Benzie Historical Museum, creating an exhibit of the pioneer orchard families of Benzie County, to include the Dymond Orchards.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dr. George E. Laubach, brother James E. Dymond, and daughter-in-law Sally Brown Laubach. She is survived by her sister Edith Dymond Overlease, three children Susan (Tony) Baynard, Jim Laubach (Lynn Heline), and Skip (Beth) Laubach, grandchildren Parker “Ruth” Laubach and Elizabeth Laubach, and nieces and nephews.

Margaret cherished family, friends and her spiritual studies. She will be held closely by all who knew her.

Services will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beulah, Michigan on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 11 am, visitation starting at 10 am. A luncheon at the Church will follow the service.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church and Benzie Historical Museum.