Margaret Hardcastle

Margaret Geeslin Hardcastle, age 83, of Meridian passed away Thursday morning, February 18, 2016 in Meridian, Texas.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in Meridian. Visitation was from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Friday, February 19, 2016 at Lawson Funeral Home in Meridian. Rev. Kevin Wilson officiated. Margaret was laid to rest beside her husband, Billy Ray, in the Meridian Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Wm. Paul Hardcastle, Alex Glickman, Matt Glickman, David Hardcastle, James Quebedeaux and Bradley Hardcastle.

Ada Margaret was born in Center City, Texas, December 13, 1932 to Hubert and Mabel Geeslin. She was the youngest of four children.

She graduated high school a year early so her mother, in failing health at the time, could see her graduate. She attended a two year school before marriage. She worked a number of years for the Bosque County Education Co-op and worked with several school superintendents during that time.

December 16, 1950, she married Billy Ray Hardcastle of Meridian, Texas. They were married at the First United Methodist Church in Goldthwaite, Texas. To this union was born two sons and two daughters. Phyllis Ann, Billy Paul, Tracy Len and Suzanne. She and Billy Ray resided on the family ranch prior to moving into Meridian in 1965.

She and Billy Ray were active in community affairs, as well as their church. She served a multitude of roles in the Methodist Church as a teacher, committee member, pianist, and/or organist. She and Billy also joined a few other individuals as original board members for the local National Bar BQ Cook-off.

Following a fall this past June, she was in rehab her remaining days. She received care at Hilltop on Main, as well as Clifton Lutheran Sunset Home, followed by her last couple of months back on the family ranch.

She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, Billy Ray in 2009, and all of her siblings. She is survived by her four children Phyllis, Paul and wife Pam, Tracy and wife Kathryn, Suzie and spouse Leslie, 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. When asked she would say, “Nothing is greater on this earth, than family.”

The family has requested that memorials be made to the Meridian Cemetery Association and/or First United Methodist Church of Meridian mission’s fund.

Our family expresses appreciation to all her caregivers this past year, all her friends and church family who greatly contribute to one’s living such a rich life as our mother had. We selfishly miss her greatly, but know in our hearts she is experiencing the greatest celebration in eternal life with her Lord Jesus Christ.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lawsonfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements were handled by Lawson Funeral Home, Meridian, Texas 254-435-2792.