Margaret Aloha Garvelink

Margaret A. Garvelink, of Lawton, died peacefully on April 26, 2017 with her son, Steve, and daughter-in-law, Pam, and family by her side. She was born June 8, 1918, in Carey, Idaho. The daughter of John and Rachael Howard. Margaret was united in marriage to Norman Garvelink on Nov.18,1945.She was a graduate of Albion State Normal School in Idaho. She also held a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. She taught in Lawton, Paw Paw and Portage public schools. Margaret was the last of a handful of WASPS (Women Airforce Service Pilots) who, during World War II, transported aircraft in the United States for the war effort.She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, National Education Association, Michigan Education Association, American Association of University Women and the Kalamazoo Association of Retired School Personnel.She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; her siblings, four brothers and two sisters.Margaret is survived by two sons, Frank (Serena) of Marcellus and Steve (Pam) of Hixson, Tennessee; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 20, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 52441 County Road 665 (Hazen Street), Paw Paw. The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269-679-5622).