The Reverend Dr. Peggy Lynne Miller Riethmiller Blackman Obituary (1938

The Reverend Dr. Peggy Lynne Miller Riethmiller Blackman, age 71, of Madison, Indiana, entered this life on November 3, 1938 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was the daughter of the late Orlo & Dorothy Shoulders Miller. She spent her early years in Madison, Wisconsin and was a graduate of University High School in Madison, Wisconsin. She received her Bachelor's in Education from the University of Wisconsin and her Master's and Ph.D. from Michigan State University. She first taught in public schools in Illinois and in Wisconsin. She served in student services at Olivet College in Olivet, Michigan for three years. She retired from Michigan State University as Professor Emeritus of Public School Curriculum Development. Peggy was united in marriage to the Dr. M. Gorton Riethmiller and they enjoyed several years of marriage together until his death on May 29, 1984. Peggy was an ordained minister with the Congregational Christian Churches. She had served as interim pastor at the First Congregational Church of Durand, Michigan from 1989-1990 and with the First Congregational Church of Portland, Michigan. Peggy moved to Madison in 2001 and was united in marriage on November 15, 2003 in Wilmore, Kentucky to Charles A. "Chuck" Blackman Ph.D. they had enjoyed a friendship for the past 49 years having met at Michigan State University. Peggy was an associate member of the First Christian Church in downtown Madison and was a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church in Lansing, Michigan. Peggy had a passion for art, making braided rugs, needle point work, was an accomplished pianist and organist, played the flute and the accordion. Peggy had a passion for Packard Automobiles and Cadillacs and had enjoyed owning nine Packard's and one Cadillac. Chuck shared her passion as well and they have enjoyed caring for their antique historical Packards. Peggy enjoyed enriching many people through art, education, music and history. She enjoyed life to the fullest and enjoyed sharing her life with her many friends and dear family. Peggy enjoyed her home in Madison overlooking the beautiful Ohio River. Peggy left this life suddenly, but has left a lasting legacy to everyone that she touched with her gifts and talents. Peggy passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 8:10 p.m. at the Clark County Memorial Hospital in Jeffersonville, Indiana. A LOVING FAMILY Peggy will be missed by her loving husband: Charles A. "Chuck" Blackman Ph.D. of Madison, Indiana; her loving step son: Charles Wesley Blackman of Lake Worth, Florida; her loving sisters: Wendy Severson & her husband: John of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Sherry Welch of Falmouth, Maine; her close friend and caregiver: Dr. Sister Marie Emery O.P. of Madison, Indiana; her two nieces, two nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents: Orlo & Dorothy Shoulders Miller; her first husband: Dr. M. Gorton Riethmiller. CELEBRATION OF LIFE CEREMONY Celebration of life ceremony will be conducted Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 2:00 p.m., by The Reverend Greg Russell, at The First Christian Church, 512 West Main Street in downtown Madison, Indiana. Private graveside services will be conducted on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Waterloo Township in Jackson County, Michigan. A celebration of life service will be Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at (time to be announced) the Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. Grand River Avenue in Lansing, Michigan 48912. GATHERING TIME Friends and family may gather at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the First Christian Church at 512 West Main Street in downtown Madison, Indiana. MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS Memorial contributions may be made to The M. Gorton Riethmiller Art Building Fund at Olivet College in Olivet, Michigan or to the charity of the donor's choice. Cards are available at the funeral home. To send a flower arrangement in memory of The Reverend Dr. Peggy Lynne Miller Riethmiller Blackman, please click here to visit our sympathy store.