Margaret Putnam

Margaret E. Putnam, beloved mother, grandmother, and aunt passed away Monday, October 29, 2007 at the Tuscola County Medical Care Facility, age 92. Margaret Elaine Cramer was born January 14, 1915 in Flint, the daughter of the late Everett and Neva (Crosby) Cramer. She moved with her parents to Fairgrove Township in 1916 and graduated from Fairgrove High School in 1933. Margaret and Carl A. Putnam, Sr. were united in marriage by Carls uncle, the Reverend Hugh Putnam, on March 17, 1934 in Pontiac, Michigan. They lived in the Caro area, first farming and then owning and operating Putnams Saw Mill on M-24. After selling the business in 1970, Margaret and Carl spent the next few years involved with harness racing. They traveled to Florida and Colorado and also raced horses at Jackson Harness Raceway, Northville and several Michigan fairs. After Carl passed away in 1976, Margaret continued to attend harness racing events and was loved and respected by everyone in the business. She was a lifetime member of the Michigan Harness Horsemans Association. Margaret is survived by four sons, four daughters and their spouses, John & Joanne Putnam of Vassar, Lou & Kate Putnam of Moorestown, New Jersey, Carl Putnam, Jr. of Byron, Zeph & Brenda Putnam of Fuquay Varnia, North Carolina, Norine F. Nelson of Bay City, Nina & Les Roudebush of Kiowa, Colorado, Nancy M. Moore of Gaylord, and Zoa & Tom May of Midland; one daughter-in-law, Sue Putnam of Murietta, California; twenty-seven grandchildren; fifty-one great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lois Cutler of Fairgrove, Gwen Retelle of West Branch; one brother, Ralph & Ethel Cramer of Caseville and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; two sisters, Lillian Voss and Ernestine LaJoie; a son Abe Putnam; and three grandsons, Aaron Nelson, Anthony Nelson and Michael Putnam.