Margaret Ellen Blackwell

Margaret Ellen Blackwell, most recently of Pendleton, Indiana, peacefully joined her beloved husband of 65 years in eternity on Saturday evening, February 22, 2025. She was born on March 14, 1935, in Kilgore, Texas, to Ulas and Flora Pierce, both of whom preceded her in death.

Margaret married her high school sweetheart, Lowell Blackwell, in Kilgore, and together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and family. She was a devoted wife, a wonderful mother, and a cherished pastor’s wife—welcoming and nurturing not just her own children but many others who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her children, who absolutely adored her: Lowell Jr. (Suzy), David (June), son-in-law Gary Endres, Marcy (Moe DeShong), Tim (Susan), and Jim (Pam).She is also survived by her sister, Bonnie Still of Wiley, Texas, and her brother, Gerald Wayne Pierce of Centerville, Texas. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Endres, and her brothers, Harold and Donald Pierce. Margaret was also the proud grandmother of 17 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved deeply.

Margaret was known for her kindness, her warm smile, and her joyful spirit. She could giggle with the best of them and had a way of making everyone feel at home in her presence. In times of hardship, she displayed incredible strength, returning to night school to complete her education and working as a bookkeeper for several businesses. She and Lowell instilled in their family a strong work ethic and a deep faith that carried them through life’s challenges. Even in retirement, they felt called to continue ministering, stepping in to help struggling churches wherever they were needed.

Later in life, Margaret and Lowell moved closer to their children, relishing time spent with their growing family. They never missed an opportunity to be present—cheering from the stands, attending grandparent days at school, and simply showing up for life’s special moments.

Margaret’s family will forever miss her smiling face, the way she laughed until she cried, and the simple joys she brought into their lives—especially her amazing chilaquiles, which no one has quite been able to recreate, and Grandma’s special syrup that made every waffle breakfast complete.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to those who cared for her in her final days. While we will miss her, we find incredible peace in knowing she is now back with our dad and in the loving arms of the God who sustained her throughout her life.

We are celebrating mom's life on March 28th at the DeShongs from 4-6 pm. Friends are welcome to stop by. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor her memory by donating to something that she was amazed by, Adventure Camp, through Pendleton Christian Church (pendcc.org).