Margaret Helen (Miller) Heyde

Margaret Helen Miller Heyde entered the Church Triumphant on March 25, 2025, in Amarillo, Texas, at the age of 77 years. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday April 26, 2025, at St. Luke Presbyterian Church, 3001 Bell St., Amarillo, TX.

Born on October 21, 1947, in Ashland, Wisconsin, to parents Reuben Raymond Miller, Sr., and Louise Helen LaRue Miller. Margaret was a proud member of the class of 1965 at Dowagiac Union High School. She soon embarked on a journey of lifelong learning by earning her LVN certificate at Southwestern Michigan College, an Associate degree of Applied Science in Interior Design from Joliet Junior College, culminating her academic journey at West Texas State University, Canyon, Texas, with a Bachelor of Science in English Language Arts in 1988. Before her commitment to teaching, she worked as a social worker with the Department of Aging and Disabled. Later, she taught as a certified English teacher, enriching the lives of countless high school students. She was a longtime member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

An unwavering believer in preserving her heritage, Margaret took considerable pride in her Ojibwe roots, proudly identifying as a descendant of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Margaret found immense joy in the presence of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also derived comfort from her various hobbies, which included reading, sewing, creative art, and exercise groups such as Silver Sneakers. As a dedicated Presbyterian (PCUSA) Ruling Elder, Margaret drew strength and solace from her faith and her work with Presbyterian Women. Her life is a testament to a resilient spirit characterized by diversity, inclusiveness, justice, and an unwavering quest for knowledge. Margaret's influence continues to resonate in the many lives she touched and mentored through her church and work.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Reuben Raymond Miller, Sr., and Louise Helen LaRue Miller.

She leaves behind a remarkable legacy, including her devoted husband of 55 years, Thomas Joseph Heyde, and her accomplished daughter, Dr. Jennifer Camille Heyde (Robert G.) Denham. Her grandchildren, Nicole Reid Denham (Daron) Payne, Ashley Mackay Denham, and her fiancé Tony Hadaway, further enrich her family. Margaret proudly boasts a biological granddaughter, Hayden Janet Payne, along with her soon-to-arrive great-grandchildren: Xander Hadaway, Ryder Hadaway, Lance Scaffe, and Ember Hadaway. She leaves behind her brother, Reuben Raymond Miller, Jr., and his longtime friend, Jeanette Lemcool, of Traverse City, Michigan. There are many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins of Margaret’s family. In addition, she has many friends and those who have cared for her for the past few years.

Suggested memorials: St. Luke Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, Parkinson’s Foundation, or BSA Hospice of the Southwest.