Margaret Lyle, Midway's international folk music star, dies at 64; memorial services Saturday in Versailles

Margaret Lyle

Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 23 for internationally known folk-music performer Margaret Lyle, who died March 11 at her home in Midway at the age of 64.

Known by many as “The Celtic Lark,” Lyle was a talented musician and historian who attended Centre College and the University of Kentucky.

"Margaret was a most talented and entertaining neighbor," former Midway City Council member Dan Roller wrote in Midway Musings. "Her 'Music on the Porch' sessions were enjoyed by friends, neighbors, tourists and anyone else passing by her house near the Midway Presbyterian Church. . . . Often one of Margaret's musical friends from far and wide as Texas would show up and join in the fun. Her time here contributed to the patchwork of life that is the Midway we all love.'

Lyle was born in Versailles April 17, 1954, to Margaret Carmichael Woolums and Dan Dudley Gravitt. She often performed as Margaret Gravitt. "She was a devoted friend, sister and aunt who will be missed by many," her obituary said. She was preceded in death by her parents and a rainbow bridge of animals, and will be lovingly remembered by her sisters, Anna, Dana, Deanna and Darla; and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. 

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Lady Oscar, 197 S. Main St., Versailles. Friends are asked to "bring your singing voices and musical instruments." Blackburn & Ward Funeral Home of Versailles is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Woodford Humane Society, PO Box 44, Versailles KY 40383.