Mary "Margaret" (Bloomfield) McGowen, aged 91, died February12, 2026 at her home surrounded by loved ones. Margaret spent her young life in Muncie, Illinois, graduating from Oakwood High School, and lived her adult life in Warren County, Indiana. Margaret married her husband, Lloyd, in 1956 and they were married almost 70 years. He survives. They had seven children and family was Margaret's greatest joy.
Margaret was once awarded Mother of the Year by the Women's Club in the early 70's; however, her children would have voted for this continually. Margaret was quick to encourage neighborhood football and basketball games in their West Lebanon backyard, and she made sure all neighborhood children were welcome and included.
Margaret was an athletic and active person, playing short stop in softball, taking her kids and their friends skiing – even climbing down the Grand Canyon to white water raft with her kids. She was an avid golfer and tennis buff well into her late 70's.
Rocking her babies is a favorite memory for her kids. Margaret always had a baby in arms, a toddler at her feet, and was the delight of the toddler when, as songwriter, she used the toddler's name and events of the day in a song. Her kids also remember the church songs she would sing to gently soothe the child in her arms.
Margaret enjoyed her many travels, playing euchre, and the sunshine from winters at Siesta Key. Many will also remember her mulching their home and her planting her beautiful flowers well into her mid-80's.
Mom was a waitress when she met dad, and he never failed to point out that he fell in love with her beautiful smile. She was a Director of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, helping to build the museum on the White River, as well as establishing many historical sites throughout the state. She was a founding member of the Friends of the Library and Learning Center, and was a den mother, room mother, and all voluntary positions possible for her kids.
Surviving are her children, Gene (Susan Taggert), Lisa (Dudley) Cruea, Greg (Lori), Lori (Steve Mailloux) Van Meter, Mary Lynn (Mike Hillyer) Manning, Jon, and Marcus. She also helped raise her sister, Minnie Barsteika. They all survive including many grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Ross and Gladys Bloomfield and siblings Martha Powell, Opal Pruitt, and Bob, Leonard, Junior, and Harold Bloomfield, and her son-in-law, Andy Van Meter.
A visitation will be held at Williamsport Christian Church, 20 E. Third St., Williamsport on Saturday, February 21st  from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. with a short service at 1:00 p.m. with Brenda McIntosh officiating.  Our friends and family can then join us later at The Beef House, Covington from 3:00-6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Warren County Community Foundation, in honor of Margaret McGowen.