Margaret Harting

Margaret Charley Harting awakened in the arms of her Savior on Thursday morning, July 23, 2020. Born in St. Louis Missouri on September 6, 1924 to Peter and Emma (nee Werner) Charley, Marge served her Lord as a devoted Pastor’s wife, loving mother, doting grandma, and spirited friend.

Marge grew up in St. Louis’ historic Soulard neighborhood and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church – the foundation congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod – where she was confirmed and later married. She graduated from McKinley High School in 1942 and worked for General American as a comptroller. Marge met Rev. Walter C. Harting while he was attending Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. The two married on September 11, 1949 and moved to Houston, Texas accepting Walt’s first call to plant a new congregation that would become St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. They remained in Texas serving churches in Wichita Falls and LaGrange – St. Paul’s and Mt. Calvary, respectively.

Marge’s support and service was invaluable to Christ and Walt. Marge’s career was found in being the backbone of her home and ministering to their congregations by teaching Sunday school, taking an active role in guilds and committees, baking for shut-ins, hosting social events, singing in the choir, and countless hours of traveling for weddings, confirmations, and funerals, and giving her life to the service of the Church – however that looked (but not as the church organist.) She played this dutiful role throughout their ministry which included post-retirement service to congregations with pastoral vacancies and friendships spanning decades – which became like family.

Marge loved her family – especially her daughter, Lois. Even in later years when Alzheimer’s progressed, she always recognized Lois as the most important and meaningful person in her life. She was always happy to visit with Lois and son-in-law, Al, with whom she traded jokes and poked fun at each other. She had a unique relationship with each member of her family – especially her granddaughters. She would entertain them for summer visits reading them books, singing songs like “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam,” along with other questionably appropriate songs from her childhood, and being their backseat buddy on road trip vacations. She treasured phone calls with her sisters, Dot and Pauline, and always looked forward to their times together. She and Walt traveled the world to spend time with family throughout the US and New Zealand.

Marge outlived her family – both her side and Walt’s side. She was the last of her generation. She is preceded in death by her parents – Peter and Emma, sisters – Dorothy and Pauline, brothers – Peter, John and George, her loving husband – Walt, and her many sisters and brothers-in-law. She is survived by her daughter Lois (Al) Herron; granddaughters Maggie Herron, and Katie (Michael) McLain, great grandchildren Joshua and Molly McLain; many nieces, nephews, and loving family and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the following organizations.

Lutheran World Relief

700 Light St.

Baltimore, MD 21230

St. Luke's Lutheran Church

11025 Aldine-Westfield Rd

Houston, TX 77093

Our Shepherd Lutheran Church

PO Box 1509

Huffman, TX 77336

Or you may make a special offering to the congregation of your choice.