Margaret L. White, 83

Margaret Lucille White passed away Oct. 12, 2017 surrounded by family at Hidden Meadows in Columbia Falls. She was born on Feb. 12, 1934 in Eagle Grove, Iowa to Harlan and Marcella Toillion.

Margaret grew up working on a farm that had been in the family since the 1800s, attending the same one-room school house her mother and grandmother had before her. Her family attended the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove. In addition to varied chores, Marg spent time mending injured animals, singing them back to health. Her gentle, comforting manner was evident from her early years. Margaret’s devotion to God, love of family and animals of all kinds can be traced back to her loving upbringing on that Iowa family farm.

After graduating from Eagle Grove High School in 1952, she attended Iowa State Teacher College and became an elementary teacher in Iowa. She then moved to Laurel, Montana to teach where her sister Dort lived. After her time in Laurel she moved to Great Falls. There she met the love of her life, Edgar Allen White. They married on June 9, 1962. Together they had three children: Andy, Doug and Marcy. Ed retired from the Air Force in 1973. He and Marge then settled in Whitefish, a place they fell in love with on their honeymoon, to raise their family.

She and Ed took advantage of the many opportunities Montana had to offer, like skiing, camping and fishing. Margaret taught first and second grade at Cross Currents Christian School in Whitefish for many years. She was active in Saint Charles Church, teaching Sunday school and participated in small faith groups. She and Ed built, owned and operated the Fernwell Apartments in Kalispell which provided low-income housing for people in need. Hers was a life full of compassion, gentle kindness and service. Her family and friends will forever feel blessed and inspired by her.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, Ed.

Margaret is survived and will be dearly missed by her children, Andy White (sons Garrett and Braxton), Doug White (daughter Katie), and Marcy Birdsell (husband Rich daughter Madison and son Jackson).

Margaret is also survived by her big sister Dorothy (husband Max), her little brother Bruce (wife Arneda), and many nieces and nephews.

Viewing and visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 at Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with a Graveside Committal to follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Margaret’s soft, kind spirit will be honored with acts of kindness or support for others.

Condolences for the family may be submitted online at www.austinfh.com.