Margaret Mary Riker, born August 17, 1924 in Newaygo, MI, died peacefully at the Grand Traverse Pavilions, Friday morning June 19, 2015.
A 1942 graduate of Shaker Heights High School, Margaret married and went on to raise her children while owning a series of gift boutiques. She later returned to her education, obtaining an Associate of Arts Degree from North Central Michigan College in 1976, a Bachelor of Science Degree from Grand Valley State Colleges and two master's degrees from Michigan State University in the late 1980's. Through her many years she owned a number of book and antique stores, served on various city councils and civic groups, finally retiring after serving as a librarian in Red Hook, NY. She enjoyed learning and was always curious about the world around her, her passions included the arts and humanities, world religions, water colors, oils and acrylics, sunsets, instrumental music, yoga, tai chi and reiki. Wherever she went she made friends and touched hearts.
Margaret is survived by her brother, Charles (Mary) Wyman of Newaygo and sons, John (Marsha) Groomes, Clayton (Janis) Groomes, Jeffery (Paula) Groomes, Russell Riker and daughters, Anita (Arthur) Michalski and Michele Bueker. Also surviving are grandsons, Jay Groomes, Joel Groomes, Arthur Michalski, Andrew (Jen) Michalski, Grant Groomes, and Colin Riker and grand daughters Alison (Joe) Witt, Erin (Daniel) Lane, Paige Groomes and Sarah Riker. Margaret enjoyed five great-grandchildren, McKenna, Joel, Brendan, Lilly and Liam.
Preceding her in death are her parents Charles E. and Elvira M. (John) Wyman and sister, Kathrine (Wyman) Vaughan.
Private family services will take place at a later time.