Margaret Stiles, 71, a wonderful mother, sister and wife, passed away in her sleep at her home in Forsyth, Montana on Friday April 20, 2012 from heart complications. Memorial services will be Friday April 27th at 11:00 am in the United Community Church at 408 Water Avenue in Colstrip Montana, followed by burial services at the Colstrip Cemetery.
Margaret was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota on June 16, 1940 to Arnold Myers and Helen (Griffin) Myers, and she was raised and educated in Thompson, ND. Margaret is survived by her three children and their families: Susette Hofland, Daniel Stiles, and Randy Stiles. Susette lives in Sundance Wyoming with her husband Lance Hofland and their children Tanner, Brook, and Bailey. Daniel lives in Phoenix with his wife Tracie Stiles and children Katie, Lauryn, and Karleigh. Randy lives in Menlo Park, CA with his wife, Sally Stiles. Margaret is also survived by her brother Arnold “Buck” (Cindy) Myers, Corvallis, OR, and her sisters Phyllis Ulm, Tybee Island, GA, Nancy Keithley, Highlands Ranch, CO, Colleen Halverson, Santa Clara, CA.
Margaret was married to Clinton Stiles on Feb 16, 1962 in Thompson, ND. As the wife of a road construction worker for Shultz & Lindsay Co., she moved their trailer and family nearly every year and lived in many places in the American West, including Miles City, Browning, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Tucson, Albuquerque, Great Falls, West Yellowstone, and Columbus. During this time, the family grew to include three children. In 1972 when Clinton began work for Western Energy Co., Margaret moved the family to Colstrip, and this is where she stayed to raise her children. In 1991 her husband Clinton was diagnosed with a lung disease and confined to his bed, and Margaret took care of him tirelessly during these difficult times until he died in 2003.
A longtime resident of Colstrip, Margaret started a business called the Sage Brush Trading Post where she sold antiques, books, furniture and second hand items. She greatly enjoyed talking to the people that would drop in to visit with her as they bought and sold items, and she enjoyed hunting for interesting antiques, restoring furniture, interior decorating, art, and researching local history. Margaret was also a founder of the Colstrip Schoolhouse History and Art Center (SHAC). She also worked on the 1980 U.S. Census for rural routes, and for the U.S. Post Office in Colstrip, as well as studying at Montana State University in Bozeman and in Billings. During her life she was an avid learner, hard worker, and great mother.
G.Ford says
I am so sorry for your loss. May “the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) comfort and soothe your heart. His promises, found in the Holy Scriptures, can offer much hope. It assures us at John 5:28,29 that our loved ones will be remembered and brought back to life in the resurrection. Please allow God’s Word to strengthen you and help you to endure this most difficult time.
Scott Alder says
I am so sorry for you all, and my thoughts are with you.
Yvonne Hoeger says
I was so sorry to hear about Peggy but I can think about all the great memories growing up together in Thompson . We has such fun and managed to give Helen & Arnold a few headaches during those years . When I say “we”, that includes all you siblings too . I was only the “extra” daughter . My sympathy’s to all the family and thank you Peggy for being a part of my life .
Diane Griffin Ryan says
May God bless Peggy, her children, my cousins, & all those dear to her in this hour of sadness.
Diane Griffin Ryan
Kathy (Galegher) Klang says
Phylis, Nancy, Colleen and Peggy’s children. I was sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. We were neighbors in Thompson. I remember Clinton and Peggy when I was a kid. They were always smiling. My sympathy to all of you.
Wally Griffin says
I was saddened to hear the news but encouraged by the evidence that she contributed so much to her family and community.
I believe the Griffin’s have or had 47 first cousins and Peggy is one of the first to go.
God Bless her and her family.
Patsy says
I am so saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you go through this time of sorrow. I am sorry that I cannot be there with you to honor Peggy’s life. May you find joy in your memories of your mom and grandma.
Love you all
Patsy