Margaret Catherine (Bennett) Holtz

Margaret Catherine (Bennett) Holtz, age 102, of Ida, Michigan, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026, at Wellspring Lutheran Services in Monroe, Michigan.

Margaret was born March 26, 1923, in Toledo, Ohio, to Wayne and Mary (Bryson) Bennett. She graduated from Lambertville High School in 1941 and later attended St. Vincent Nursing School and Monroe County Community College.

On January 31, 1943, Margaret married Melville Holtz Sr. in Blissfield, Michigan. Together they raised their five children: Melville Jr. (Janice) Holtz, Norman Holtz, Jan (Eleanore) Holtz, Virginia (Ward) Rigot, and Suzanne (Randy) Krueger.

Margaret worked alongside her husband on the family farm throughout her life and also worked at the Monroe JCPenney for 17 years.

Following Melville’s passing in 1983, Margaret continued to share her love of gardening by creating beautiful bouquets of cut flowers, which she sold each Saturday at the Monroe Farmers Market alongside produce from the family farm.

Margaret also served for many years as a 4-H leader, teaching sewing to young people in the community. A creative spirit, she enjoyed writing and painting, expressing her imagination through both words and art.

She loved sharing her passions for crafting, gardening, reading, quilting, sewing, and baking with anyone willing to learn. Margaret was also a formidable Scrabble player who loved a good challenge—and usually won!

Margaret was a loving grandmother who always kept a jar of homemade cookies ready for visiting grandchildren. She will be remembered for her kindness, lively spirit, sharp wit, and her unexpected sense of humor.

In addition to her children, Margaret is survived by 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings, husband of 40 years, a grandson and a great-grandson.

A private burial will take place at Lulu Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ida Branch Library or the Monroe County Community College Foundation.