On the night of August 7, 2020 mom took the hand of Jesus. As hard as it was to let her go, we knew that mom was ready to meet her soul mate, son, grandson, granddaughter, and other loved ones at the gates of heaven. Mom was a gentle soul with a fiery spirit. She had her humor and wit until the very end.
Mom was born to Tera and Glen Ferguson on the farm in Howard Valley. She attended school in Howard, Rosebud and Forsyth. On December 20, 1947, mom married her soul mate, Leo Johnson. Together they welcomed Terri, Rusty, Toby and Wade into their family. Mom often reminisced of their years living on the Pryor Mountains, mining, and construction days together with her parents. In September of 1962, mom was left a young widow with four children to feed when Leo was tragically killed in a mining accident. She packed up her family and moved from Shoshoni, Wyoming home to Forsyth, Montana to be near her family.
In 1963, mom married Carl Swanson, together they welcomed one daughter, Robbin to the family, together, they raised the family in Forsyth. Mom and Carl divorced in 1975. After the divorce, mom and Robbin moved from Forsyth, eventually settling in Wyoming where mom met Roger Francis. That marriage brought travel into mom’s life. Mom spent time living in Texas, Wyoming, Utah, North Dakota, and eventually they retired in Billings.
Mom never knew a stranger. She welcomed anyone and everyone into her home. one of my favorite stories was when the boys were in high school, they brought their friends’ home for lunch. On this day, there was a new face at the table. Mom asked who had invited him, No one had; he had heard of mom’s good cooking and followed them home. No one left mom’s home hungry, thus the nickname Tyler gave her, Grandma Cookie.
At the age of 79, mom joined the Catholic faith. She loved the community she found in St. Bernard’s. she fondly became mom to the RCIA team and others at the church. Mom was proud to be the oldest one to join the church and went to on proudly be the oldest on the RCIA team for several years.
Mom is survived by her children Terry Derby, Rusty (Ruthie) Johnson, Toby (Lois) Johnson, Robbin (Bryan) Redmond, her sister Peggy (Elmer) Hawkinson, 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren, and all those who fondly called her mom.
Mom was preceded in death by her soul mate, Leo Johnson, her son Wade, Grandson Leo, Granddaughter Doreen, Great Grandson Daniel, brothers Gene and Jack, sister Betty Lou, and her parents Glen and Tera, Roger, Carl and son-in-law Glen Derby.
Rest in Peace, Mom. You are free from pain, resting in the arms of Jesus. As hard as it was to let you go, we find comfort knowing you were welcomed by a host of Angels at the gates of Heaven.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 PM
Tuesday September 8, 2020
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 PM
Tuesday September 8, 2020
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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carol moore says
Aunt Margie was always full of spitfire. She was not afraid to tell you what she thought or how she felt. Dad told great stories of their childhood. She talked wonderful children and grandchildren. Aunt Margie, I am glad you are no longer in pain. Love you and you will be missed.
Velma Leary-Grba says
My sincere condolences to all of Margie’s family. She was so gracious to me, making my son his first crocheted outfit, getting one of her puppies for Michael and many other things.. And all the times that I did her hair, and had the pleasure of seeing her with Ruthie.. Anyone is truly blessed to have Margie in their life. We will all miss her dearly.. With Much love…
Carol Swanson says
Sympathy goes out to Robbin and all of Marge’s family!
Jim and I enjoyed reconnecting with Marge in later years and we were pleased about that !
Hugs to all of the family! RIP Marge!!!
Audrey & Nick Stanislawek says
God bless you MOM…Nick and I only knew you for a few years BUT we sure enjoyed your spunk and sense of humor. You were always so full of surprises snd gave us many laughs. We will miss you but you will always be in our heart. Enjoy your new found freedom from all the troubles of life. Polish up those new wings and fly.
Love ya, Audrey and Nick
Beth Krkosa says
I am so glad that I was able to know Margie. She definitely was an asset to the RCIA team and an inspiration to us all. When we had an event at church she was right there with her family to celebrate. And we always enjoyed her pies.
She does leave a big hole in our church community. We will miss visiting with her.
Connie Bown says
I remember what a hoot Margie was when she and my Auntie Muriel (Mert) worked the morning shift at the old Speedway Diner, I worked the afternoon shift. Hold tight to the memories! GOD BLESS
JUDY MCPHAIL says
SORRY FOR YOUR FAMILIES LOSS. SHE WILL BE MISSED AS THE GLUE FOR YOUR FAMILY. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending condolences.
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
To all of Margie’s family, we are sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this sad time?
Beverlee Cox says
My deepest sympathy. Margie was a very special person. I have many great memories of her.
Brian and Shelly Nearpass says
So sorry to see “Gramma Marge” pass away. She will always be special to our family as she was such a loving care giver at Little Rascals to our kids. She even made huge bibs out of a shower curtain over a weekend for our little guy who spit up all the time. She was a wonderful and spunky lady!!! Soar with the Angels!
Valarie says
I met Marge last year when we started playing cards at St. Bernard’s. She was a delight, enjoyed her so much.
Harry Klingaman says
We loved Margie..she was the nicest lady and we sure enjoyed our many visits with her..may she rest in peace..