Margaret “Marge” Aldora Ek passed away on the morning of July 25″‘, 2017, at Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City, MT, 4 days after her 103″‘ birthday.
Marge was born in Fertile, Minnesota on July 21tt, 1914. When born, the doctor said, “You don’t even need to dress her. She won’t make it.” She did, for over a century; she was always a very determined person. She loved reading, and dancing, and playing softball as a young girl. After graduating from high school, she attended North Central Bible Institute in Minneapolis, graduating in 1937. She met and married Alan Ek in 1943. They had two daughters, Maryallyn and Lana.
Leaving Minneapolis in 1956 for a job in Miles City, MT, she made her home here for the last 61 years. She really became part of the community, playing bridge, taking square dance lessons, attending ballgames and sporting events for the Cowboys, Cowgirls and Mustangs. She was always an active member of First Lutheran Church in Miles City.
Marge came into her own when she became the Welcome Wagon Hostess in Miles City, a job she cherished for about 25 years. When she put down her basket and stopped greeting every newcomer who moved to Miles City, she started baking cookies and was frequently called the “cookie lady” because she gave them to everyone. She especially loved making special treats for the “Blast” kids at church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alan Ek, her twin sisters, Iris Cody and Lois Kleefus, her daughter Maryallyn Ek, her mother (Mary Simpson), numerous aunts and uncles and nephew Charles Melquist and two brothers who passed away as small children.
She is survived by her daughter Lana Rae of Billings, MT; grandchildren Rachel (Stephen) Baker of Alexandria, VA; Michael Spear (Christin) of Herndon, VA; Christopher Spear of Billings, MT and great grandchildren Lillian and Jonathan Spear of Herndon, VA.; Nieces Naida (Bob) Okray, Lois (John) Burnell, Lora (Paul) Goins, Betty (John) Cedergren, Marlin (Darlene) Melquist, Jon (Jean) Rolien, and Betty Melquist. Marge also “adopted” many family members including Joe and Suzanne Craig of Okanogan, WA; Jessica, Ebin, and Trianna Baker of Billings and very special friends Phyllis Clauson and Dori South of Miles City. If I missed anyone, please forgive me.
If you wish to make a memorial, Mom always read to us. Please buy a book for a child (you could bake cookies too), read it to them. There is no greater gift you could give a young mind.
A special thanks to the caregivers at WelHome Health who cared for her for many years and to the amazing staff at Holy Rosary Extended Care. I could not do what you do. You are very special and wonderful people. You not only took care of Mom in the best and kindest way, you cared for me in the same way and I am blessed by having you in my life.
Per Marge’s request, no funeral services are planned. She along with Dad and my sister will be buried next summer in Minnesota when we will have a family reunion and rejoice in their lives and family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Tulsa says
Marg was an amazing lady.
Jackie stoeckel says
I never had an opportunity to meet this grand lady but as a person who has contact with lots of amazing centenarians I would have loved to meet her. 103 is quite an amazing accomplishment in itself. My condolences and prayers are with the family
Audrey Haumschild says
RIP my little lady, you have a special place in my heart. Sweet and sassy. Love you and will miss you ,but so happy for you. God heard your prayers.
Chelsea Wilkinson says
To Marg’s family sorry for your loss. Marg was an amazing lady. And I will miss her.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy. Marg baked a lot of cookies.
Terissa says
Marg was an amazing lady she always knew how to make you smile she holds a special place in my heart and forever will
Charlotte Neiffer says
Marge was one special lady. I will miss her. She had a beautiful smile and a heart to go with it. So sad to see her go, but she is home now. My thoughts go out to the family.
Curtis Fillafer says
Very sorry to hear of your loss. I still recall the fine job she did in Welcome Wagon and to be able to work with her at Glenns Standard. My thoughts and prayers are with the Marge Ek families.
Kay Carlson says
Oh dear Marg,
I have so many memories of you. Our chats at First Lutheran. Your encouragement when I began playing the organ there for services. Our visits during coffee hour with you and Aunt Donna and the gang. And your smile. Always your smile. You will be missed. Go and catch up with your old gang and share a laugh or two.
Samantha Perkins says
Lana, your mother was special. Definitely will miss her.
Vernette Barone says
When our family moved to Miles City in 1970, Marge was one of the first persons to greet us to Miles City as the Welcome Wagon host. We enjoyed times we spent with Al and Marge over the years, we moved from Miles City in 1985 and would see Marge on some occasions, she was one of the best people I have known over the years and I’m sure she will be missed by all.
Sympathy to the family and friends of Marge Ek
Jane Viall says
Marge volunteered for me at HRH many, many years ago. She was such an interesting person and a blessing at HRH.
I enjoyed her relationship, of course, and I often wish I could stay in contact with every person in my life. She was so pleasant and helpful in my work with volunteers.
Renée Peterson says
Lana and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mother. She was definitely one of a kind. I think of her working in the church kitchen and all of the activities she did for the church.
I am glad that she is now at peace. Blessings to all of you.
Renee ” Pickles”Peterson
Jane (Roberts) Shores says
Lana, my condolences to you. Always liked your mom.
You’ll always miss her! I still miss mine!
Marilyn (Leland) & Jim May says
Lana and Marge’s family
Such a neat lady, her positive and fun personality. Many fold memories from First Lutheran with her, Welcome Wagon, and friendship also with my mom.
Joan Reed Kimball says
Moving from MN to MT was an enormous change of lifestyle. Marge Ek was one of the first people to welcome me and help me maneuver my new lifestyle. She got me involved in the Newcomers Club which was an important contact for me as the MDU Home Service Advisor. She always remembered special occasions with a phone call/ small memory gift. She was truly a lovely gracious lady and Miles City was the best, much of because of her.
Sharon Magnuson Ferris says
Lana, remembering your Mom and her acts of hospitality over the years. Truly a woman in mission to all of us. Her infectious smile and hugs will remain with us and inspire us to act likewise to those in our lives. We all have been blessed by her life with us.
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles & Jim Liles says
Dear Lana and family,
Your mom was such a great lady. I remember how she was sort of “everybody’s mom” as we were growing up and I definitely remember the cookies! As a Welcome Wagon lady, she was an institution! Our sympathy to you on the loss of your mom. I am not at all surprised she reached a grand old age. God bless.
Mary Ann & Jim
Ray Randall says
Losing your parents is tough, especially your mother. She sounded lips a cook lady!
Jan Alexander says
Marge was one of the first people we met in 1977 when she was with the Welcome Wagon. Then we lost contact until I retired in 1998 and started my bridge game back up. Before long we met many times at bridge games. I always enjoyed meeting and visiting with Marge. She was a grand lady.
Sally Rehbein says
What a special lady she was – gracious, thoughtful and kind. I picture her up there playing International Rummy with my mom and the rest of the gals and having a wonderful time. I know they have been waiting for her. My deepest sympathy for your loss, Lana.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Lana & family,
So sorry for your loss, but know she is at peace at last. Who would have known but God that we would lose both our sweet Mother’s and George Kohones within 24 hours.
You have my deepest, heartfelt sympathy
LaRae Koenig says
Sorry for your loss Lana. Your mom was one of a kind. She will be missed.
Jack Hanson says
My sympathy, Lana. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.