Margaret L. Mytich

Margaret L. Mytich of Ipava, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at the Life Care Center in Punta Gorda, Florida. Margaret was born to Elzie Collier and Margaret Collier Glore on December 5, 1925. She was married to Joseph M. Mytich for 40 years until his passing on April 8, 1985. She is survived by two children, Ketra A. Mytich of Peoria, Illinois and Charles M. Mytich of Punta Gorda, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Charles Collier. Margaret was a loving mother and both of her children treasure the time they spent with her.

In her 98 years, Margaret filled her life with many endeavors. Margaret was a business pioneer. As with many women business pioneers of her time, she was unable to obtain traditional banking assistance. She was a woman who both managed and worked on the family farm. She established and grew a herd of purebred Black Angus cattle. In the off-season, she worked as a bookkeeper at various elevators and did income taxes for law firms. Upon looking back at her life, it is clear that Margaret was a role model showing that women can do anything they want. Margaret was bold, creative and a self-starter. She taught herself wallpapering and then taught others how to do it so they could create their own businesses. Margaret and her friend Evelyn Jones had a craft business where they taught others to make wood fiber flowers. They also tried upholstering furniture and were rather successful at it.

Later in life, Margaret and Joe enjoyed spending their winters in Florida. Never one to just sit idle, Margaret used that time to sell real estate in Florida. One year she was named the top seller in Punta Gorda!

Margaret loved to laugh and visit with friends, dress up and dance away the New Year, and watch boats going in and out of Charlotte Harbor.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her, and once you knew her, you loved her.

A graveside service for Margaret will be held on Thursday, February 15th at 11:00 a.m. in the Ipava Cemetery, Ipava, Illinois. Father Adam Stimpson will officiate. There will be no visitation. Memorials in Margaret’s memory may be made to the Ipava American Legion Auxiliary, which Margaret was a member for over 76 years. Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria has been entrusted with arrangements.