Margareta Keller Woods, age 86, of Forsyth/Hysham passed away peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on May 28, 2025 at the Rosebud Healthcare Center in Forsyth, Montana. Margareta and her twin brother Oskar were born in Volken, Switzerland on February 18, 1939 to Agatha Nepraunig Keller and Oskar Keller. The twins were the oldest of 5 children on the family farm. She had two more brothers Herbert and Erhard and one sister Verena.
Margareta was raised on the 25-acre family farm in Volken where they raised various crops including tobacco and potatoes and a vineyard producing grapes as well. The Keller children helped manage the livestock including hogs, chickens and dairy cows also learning about “chores” and hard work in the fields at a very young age. Margareta was very active she loved to ski and hike and there was no better place to live and grow up with those passions than in Switzerland!
Growing up Margareta loved flowers, animals and children. At 21 years of age she left the farm in Switzerland to take a job as a governess for two Harvard professors with 5 children in Boston, Massachusetts. She knew very little English upon arriving in the United States, but Margareta excelled learning the language and loved taking care of the five Doty children! Margareta had dreams of becoming a nurse one day and traveling the world doing humanitarian service. She enjoyed reading (The Bible was her favorite) and loved to learn new things. Margareta was always encouraging others to pursue education in whatever form they could whether it was in a book or traveling the world!
While in Boston she met Robert H Woods at a place called “The Cave” and they began dating. At 25 years old Margareta and her friends took a trip around the world seeing all the places and sights they had only read or heard about! When she returned from her adventure Margareta and Bob were married in Boston, Massachusetts on April 15, 1965.
Margareta’s husband Bob began working for Johns Manville in New York City after they were married and daughter Audrey was born Feb. 3, 1966 in Queens, NY. The family transferred to Paoli, Pennsylvania in 1967 for Bob’s job where their son Robert was born in 1970. Margareta volunteered at a nursing home and spent countless hours as an activity director’s assistant working with elderly residents! Audrey and Robert Jr. spent many hours with Margareta at work and always remembered having a nursing home resident join their celebration at their home for the holidays! Bob and Margareta transferred to Helena, MT in 1979 and Margareta donated over 700 hours for St Peter’s Hospice Department helping families in need. The next move was to Albuquerque, NM in 1984 while Bob was still working for Johns Manville. Margareta worked as a seamstress in a bridal shop making memories and many friends! When Bob retired in 1996, they moved to Hysham, MT where their daughter Audrey and her family resided on a ranch. Bob and Margareta opened the Hysham Motel and operated it together for 11 years before selling it.
Margareta was very involved with the wonderful Hysham community for 20 years playing bridge at the community center, was a member of the Red Hatters and various church organizations. She participated in many activities involving her grandchildren Abbey, Brooke and Hunter, who loved cleaning rooms at the motel and played many heated games of Rummikub together! Bob and Margareta became “snow birds” traveling to Yuma, AZ in the winter. They enjoyed 15 years at Gila MT RV Park where Margareta began to donate her time to the Precious Treasures Mission which helped those in need. She also loved playing bridge with the other retiree’s, swimming and puzzling!
They “re-retired” in 2016 moving to the “Villa” in Forsyth. They enjoyed the active community Forsyth had to offer and spent many hours at the senior citizen center and First Baptist Church. Margareta enjoyed bible studies with her church family. Her greatest joy in life was sharing her faith with others! If you knew our mother she would have told you about Jesus! Her favorite verse was “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13.
Margareta and Bob were married for 55 wonderful years before he passed away in 2020. She is survived by her daughter Audrey (Shawn) Hollowell from Hysham, MT; son Robert (Rebekah) Woods from Pasco, WA; Bob’s sons Scott Woods from California and Doug (Tiffany) Woods from Florida.
Margareta was blessed with 10 amazing grandchildren: Abbey(Ryan) Bruski, Brooke Hollowell and Hunter Hollowell; Tyler (Griffin) Woods, Cody (Amy) Woods, Kayla (Joaquin) Rodriguez and Mackensie Woods; and Sydney Woods, Hailey (Cody) Butala and Zoey Woods.
Margareta’s blessings continued with 15 great-grandchildren: Bekka, Harper and Luke Bruski ; Rainey, Knoxley and Tatum Woods; Avery and Norah Rodriguez; Evie Woods; Kinlee, Weston and Sadie Crowell and Bentleigh Butala; and Mia and Christian Woods. Margareta is also survived by her sister-in-law Victoria Archabal from Massachusetts, twin brother Oskar(Regula) Keller from Switzerland, Herbert (Margrit) Keller from Canada, Erhard (Martha) Keller from Switzerland and sister Verena (Massimo) Leoni from Italy along with numerous nieces and nephews she cherished.
The family would like to thank all of the staff and providers at Rosebud Healthcare Center in Forsyth, MT for the wonderful care Margareta received during her time in the nursing home. We are blessed to have such an amazing support system in Forsyth. Margareta’s family would also like to thank Pastor Bill Sikes and the congregation at Forsyth Baptist Church for their prayers, love and support during Robert and Margareta’s time here in Forsyth.
Memorial services will be held Friday, June 27th at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, MT with family receiving friends from 9-11 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Bill Sikes. The memorial service will be livestreamed if you are unable to attend. There will also be a graveside service at Hysham Vale Cemetery in Hysham, MT at 2 p.m. following the memorial service. The most important thing our precious loved one Margareta would want you, her family and her friends to know is “JESUS LOVES EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!” Never forget that!
Memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Forsyth or a charity of your choice. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements and we thank them for guiding us through this difficult journey.
Fly high good and faithful servant Margareta….job well done!
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 am to 11:00 am
Friday June 27, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Friday June 27, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 am to 11:00 am
Friday June 27, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Friday June 27, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Share
Tiffany Woods says
You will be sadly missed. You are and were an amazing lady. It was a pleasure meeting you and spending time with you . You will now be with your husband once again in heaven.
Abbey, Ryan , Bekka , Harper and Luke bruski says
You’re going to be so missed grandma. We love you so much. You are with grandpa now and lord Jesus. We love you very much.
Sydney woods says
Sending love and prayers
Ina Haines says
Dear Audrey and all your family,
How very sorry I am to learn of Margarete’s passing. May God truly hold your hand and guide you through this time. Hugs dear ones.
Sincerely, Ina Haines
Larry & Vicky Fink says
Audrey…our deepest sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your mother. It was always fun to visit with Margareta…so friendly and had such a good outlook on life. Take care.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Belva Arvik says
I just loved Margareta. She was always so kind and helpful. We served as deacons together at the church and also taught After-School Group. She brought a different perspective to our work than the small town/country kid ideas I had. That always helped improve our situation. Our sympathy to all of you in your loss. I know Margareta is resting in peace.
Tracie Jo Jones says
Audrey and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences and prayers are with all of you.
I’ll be thinking of you during this time of sorrow.
Tracie Jo Jones says
Audrey and Family,
Please know my deepest condolences are with all of you during this time of sorrow.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sharon Wetsch says
Audrey and Family
I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing
Hold your memories close. Hugs and prayers…
Joel Buchmann says
Audrey and family I just found out of the passing of your mom. Your parents touched my life so much. They made me feel loved and cared for when I moved to Hysham 25 years ago. I’m so sorry for your loss. God bless you during this time.
Debbie Anderson says
Audrey, I am so sorry about your mom. I lost mine a few years ago and I know how hard it is when they are not for us here to call on. Keep your memories close and keep looking up. You will see her again. Praying for comfort and strength for you and your family. God bless you.
Debbie
Stefan Keller says
Our thoughts are with all families and friends; we wish you strength and confidence during this difficult time.
____
Dear Aunty, you were an extraordinary person with a seemingly infinitely deep heart full of love. You were able to give me confidence and strength for my journey with your words at my young age. That meant so much to me, and I am and will always be eternally grateful!
I will never forget our ice cream con “Romeo and Juliet.” From that point on, we called us like that.
May your smile shine forever in heaven with Bob.
Stefan Keller and Families from Switzerland
Shannette Lane says
I was saddened when I heard Margareta passed away. I used to take care of her at the nursing home and she was one of a kind, always telling stories about Switzerland. She said she was going to take me there someday, so I could see. She will be greatly missed, but I’m reassured that she will be safe always in the arms of the Lord.
My condolences to Audrey and all her family.
Salomon Keller says
Dear Aunty
Though we didn’t have much time together, I’ve heard so many warm and beautiful stories about you. Whenever your name came up, it lit up the room and made people smile. I’m truly grateful I was able to see you last summer.
May you rest peacefully, surrounded by love.