Margot “Bobbie” Harding, age 95, of Terry passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at her home near Terry.
Margot was born in Burke, South Dakota on April 30, 1917 and died in her home in Prairie County, Montana on January 2, 2013. She was the eldest child of Morris and Amy (Holmquist) Jensen.
She was a child of the depression era and spent her childhood moving from community to community as her father searched for employment. The family ended up in Ogallala, Nebraska where Margot graduated from high school. She became a telephone operator with AT&T, but was forced to quit when she married the love of her life Kenneth E. Harding. They were married for 73 years until Kenneth’s death on December 1, 2012.
While Margot served on many community boards and activities, her main role in life was being a wife, mother and valued friend. She was devoted to her two sons, Kenneth L. and Richard. She provided nurture and guidance to her boys throughout her life. She then embraced her daughter-in-law Patricia and grandchildren Jeff and Tracy (McElvery). She was blessed with six great grandchildren. This was her family, however she was “Mom”, “Grandma” and “Aunt Bobbie” to many people. She opened her heart to everyone and encouraged everyone to have pride and confidence in themselves and their abilities. She had very high standards for how life was to be lived, but accepted everyone and touched their lives in many positive ways. She was an example and inspiration for many. Her devotion to her husband demonstrated a very deep love.
Her home was always with her family. She loved Ogallala, Nebraska. In the 1970’s as her family’s business interests expanded she fell in love with Key West, Florida. There she could enjoy warm winters while hosting family and friends from throughout the world. She enjoyed the role of hostess and created many fond memories. Again, in the 1980’s her family’s business interests expanded to Eastern Montana and she came to the open northern plains with enthusiasm for rural life and the many friends she found.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Carl and Chris and sisters Jean, June and Mildred (Harding) her husband Kenneth E. She is survived by her sons Kenneth L. and Richard, daughter-in-law Patricia, grandchildren Jeff (Kristine) and Tracy (Paul McElvery), her six wonderful great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was blessed to have devoted caregivers that helped her with her husband and in her final days. They were truly valuable people in her life.
Margot will be missed by many people, but her life will inspire us for many years to come.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of the Kenfield Gallery, PO Box 14, Ogallala, Nebraska 69153; The Prarie Community Hospital Foundation, PO Box 66, Terry, MT 59349, or to the Evelyn Cameron Heritage Inc., PO Box 441, Terry, MT 59349.
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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Ken & Shirley Ruser says
Rick, Trish Ken & families,
We are so saddened by the loss of our dear and precious “Bobbie” She has held a very special place in our hearts since our family moved to Ogallala in 1951. She was like a second mother to me (Shirley). We were at Ken’s and Bobbie’s the day we married, and Wayne rescued us from my Ken’s friends who weren’t going to let us go until they found our car so they could “paint” it. We brought our first daughter Candi to their home first, along with Bobbie’s mom Amy, who went with Ken to bring us home from the hospital. Ken’s and Bobbie’s was the first place Candi visited on our way home after she was born. Like I said, no one can ever take their place. May God give you all peace and comfort. We loved her so much.
Ken & Shirley
Cheryl Neal says
My sympathy for the loss of your Mom and Grandmother. I feel the loss too. Bobbie was a wonderful person who always had an encouraging word to say, always interested in what was happening in others lives. Our loss is heaven’s gain.
Cheryl
Dana Kono says
Rick, Trish, Ken, and family
Our sympathy is with you at this time of losing your Mother and Grandmother/ Great Grandmother. Bobbi was like a grandma to my boys while we were at the ranch on the Powder River. What a wonderful lady Grandma Bobbi was and I’m sure you all have lots of loving memories of her. Lance will always associate choc covered raisins with Gr Bobbi, because she knew he loved them, she always had a bag for him. She will be greatly missed.
Dana & Rob Kono
Aliceann Carlton says
My sympathies to the family on your recent losses. You held them safe and dear so that they could be together; and now, together they still are. God’s blessings and peace to you all.
AA
Candi Harms says
My sincere condolences on the loss of Bobbie. She was a very special lady, beautiful both inside and out. She was like a ‘grandma’ to me. I have so many wonderful memories of Bobbie and Ken when they lived in the Ogallala area. I loved them both. She will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Candi ‘Ruser’ Harms
Travis, Tamara and Karity Choat says
Rick and Tricia, Ken and all the Harding family,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful parents with us — I so enjoyed getting to know them in the short time we had. Even though they lived incredibly full lives, I’m still so sad to know they’re gone, and to not be able to drive down and take Karity to visit “Miss Bobbie.” I’m so happy I had the chance to meet them; what wonderful people they were and such a great example for us to follow.
Travis, Tamara and Karity Choat
Sydnye Andrews says
Bobbie was home. She was everything home should be. I will miss her so very much. Much love to all the family.
Dick Reitz says
Remembering the close-knit Harding family we have been privalidged to have as friends…Dick and Phyllis Reitz
Jill Sullivan says
Ken, Rick, Trish, and families,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss of Bobbie.
She was a wonderful person and had the magical ability to make you feel special and welcome. I could hardly wait to “go see The Hardings” when we visited Ogallala. I will cherish the memories of us all laughing together at the dinner table. Much love to all of you.
Jill and Jerry Sullivan
ANTHONY MISA , KIDS says
HARDING FAMILY AND BOBBIE , THANK YOU FOR LETTING OUR FAMILY BE A PART OF YOURS BOBBIE IS PROOF THAT ANGELS LIVE AMOUNG US , THANK YOU BOBBIE WE WILL MISS YOU AND CHERISH THE GIFT LEFT WITH US ..LOVE THE ALASKA BUNCH …
linda wyse says
KEN,, Rick, TRISH AND FAMILIES
I’M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT Bobby You are. All in my prayers she is a wonderful lady and will be. Missed by everyone. I’m glad I got to know her. My thoughts and. Prayers are with all of you. Hugs and kisses
Alroy, Tasha and Devin Solle says
We are sorry for your loss. Bobbie was a light in my day and so much fun to be around. I know she is happy with her husband.
Jacq! (Jacqueline) says
dear Ken, Rick, Trish and family,
So sad that Bobbie passed away. She was an example to me, I learned so much from her. Alhough we live far away she was always with me, and she will always be that angel looking over my shoulder. I just know. I share on this page a picture I found from one of the many special moments I shared with the Harding family in Key West. This was Xmas 1997. Lots of love to you all, also from Olivier and my mother Iet.
Gerald and Kathie Berry says
Ken and Rick
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother….we always thought so much of your parents, they were good friends of Gerald’s parents. Our sympathy and prayers.
Gerald and Kathie Berry.
Julie Mahaffy says
Dear Harding Family,
I am saddened to hear about the recent loss of both of your dear parents.
My memories of them are such a part of our years growing up in Ogallala..
I send a message from my Mother (Cathleen Thalken) as well..Very fond memories of dear friends.
please know we are thinking of all of you at this difficult time..
Bill & Julie (Thalken) Mahaffy, & Cathleen Thalken
Linda R Ohlson says
My dearest Aunt Bobbie was truly the Mother to so many. Her advice and wisdom were always given to appreciative admirers. She has been my hero and mentor all my life. She was truly our loving matriarch. Alongside her faihful husband, Bobbie set positive examples for us all. I am honored and blessed to have known her. I shed a tear and a smile in her beloved memory.