Margaret Ann Schilling

Margaret Ann Schilling, 102, of North Manchester, Indiana, passed away on October 19, 2026, at Wellbrooke of Wabash. Born on February 7, 1924, in Huntington, she was the daughter of Harry Raymond and Mabel Viola (Patten) Porter Sr.

After graduating from Huntington High School in 1942, Margaret married Willard McIlrath, a fighter pilot who lost his life in World War II on September 27, 1944. Margaret later met Glen Martin Schilling and the two were wed on September 28, 1952, sharing thirty-nine years together and raising two sons, Rodney and Brian, before Glen passed away on April 15, 1990.

A natural go-getter, Margaret began her career at J.C. Penney and later worked at the Chicago Motor Club in Huntington. She ultimately spent over twenty years as the Executive Secretary at Bippus State Bank, bringing her steady dedication to the role, before her retirement.

Faith and family anchored Margaret’s life. In 1960, she joined St. John’s United Church of Christ in Bippus, actively serving in its ministries until the church closed. More than anything, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Whether she was joining the annual family fishing trip to Rice Lake, Wisconsin, or taking the grandkids to Purdue games, she cherished every moment with them.

Generous and endlessly supportive, her grandchildren looked up to her not just as a grandmother, but as a true mother figure. A familiar and enthusiastic face in the stands at Manchester High School sporting events and Purdue basketball games, Margaret was also a woman who simply loved to dress up and enjoy a good day of shopping.

The loving memory of Margaret Schilling will be forever cherished by her sons, Rodney (Janet) Schilling and Brian (Stacy) Schilling, both of North Manchester; brother, Charles E. Porter, Columbia City; grandchildren, Matthew (Ashley Smith) Schilling, Lucas (Aline) Schilling, Jordan (John) Schuler, and Bailey (Logan) Smith; great-grandchildren, Alyssa Schilling, Sam Ackerman, Desminn Mays, Brock Smith, and two more on the way; and one great-great-grandchild, Alania Mays. Margaret was preceded in death by her father, Harry Raymond Porter Sr.; mother, Mabel Viola Laymon; first husband, Willard McIlrath; husband, Glen Martin Schilling; brother, Harry Raymond Porter Jr.; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Schilling.

Family and friends may call Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with calling beginning at 1:00 p.m. Pastor J.P. Freeman will officiate. Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Servia, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Margaret Schilling, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 1424 East Market Street, Huntington, Indiana 46750 or the Elizabeth Schilling Adjust Your Sails Foundation, 220 East Main Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

The family of Margaret Ann Schilling has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.