Margaret Irene Alm died on December 30, 2014, at the age of 89. She was born on December 30, 1925, to Firm and Mary Harris at the family ranch in Sullivan Valley, southwest of Cascade, MT.
Margaret Harris married Norman Alm on October 27, 1946, in Great Falls, MT. They ranched for almost 50 years in Craig, Cascade and Helena. In addition to being a devoted ranch wife, homemaker and mom, Margaret was a gifted gardener. She prized her many home grown flowers, including her long-stemmed sweet peas. She spent many long hours grooming and nurturing her many flower beds. Margaret also loved the outdoors. If she had any extra minutes in the day, she would be hiking the mountains around the family ranch. She also loved drives in the country and picnics with the family. Once retired from the ranch life, Margaret joined the Summit Club and traveled around the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii with her friends.
Margaret is survived by her four sons and daughter-in-laws. Ronald and Carolyn Alm from Townsend, MT; Darrel and Carol Alm, and Gary and Jodee Alm from Helena; and Bill and Anne Mobley from California. Her grandchildren Doug Alm, Cathy (Jeff) Ingram, Danny (Tera) Olson, Ericka (Karl) Thalmann, Chris (Darcy) Alm, Nathan, Jarrett and Grayson Alm. Her great grandchildren are Damon and Derek Alm, Kyla Olson, and Cayden Alm. Lots of cousins, nieces and nephews, one brother-in-law George Alm, and three sister-in-laws, Dorothy Koepp, Barbara Harris, and Isabelle Harris. Also surviving are her two loving cats K.C. and Socks.
Margaret is preceded in death her parents Firm and Mary Harris, her husband Norman Alm, daughter Jeanne Olson, and Margaret’s three siblings Lewis, Dorothy and Jim; and niece Sharon Nicholls.
Margaret was a member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. She lived at Touchmark for the last few years of her life and had many friends there.
Memorials in honor of Margaret can be made to St Peters Cancer Treatment Center, 2475 Broadway, Helena MT 59601; or to a donation of your choice.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., today, January 6th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 7th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a reception immediately following in the social center of the funeral home. Cremation will follow. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Margaret.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 6, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday January 7, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday January 7, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Reception Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 6, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday January 7, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday January 7, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Reception Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Lori Harris Crawford says
So sorry to hear of Aunt Margaret’s passing. My prayers are with you all! Please let me know if you need anything at all!
Peggy Carter says
So sorry for our loss, I feel as Magaret was part of my family also. Prayers for everyone. We lost a great lady.
Peggy & Paul
De Funiak Springs, Fl 32435
Marcia Hannay says
Ronnie, Darrel and Gary please know that my thoughts are with you after hearing of Auntie Margaret’s passing. I will always remember the times at the ranch both in Sullivan and outside of Helena. We had many great times. I will remember Margaret’s trips to town to do laundry, her love of the outdoors and walking those hills. Also, how much she cared for the animals particularly the chickens and always some kind of kitten or cat. She will be remembered in our memories of all the good times had always. May she rest in peace now. Marcia and Bill
Cleo Schultz says
Gary and family, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. So hard no matter what our age to lose a parent. What a nice lady she was. Sympathies to you all.
Cleo
Joanne Alm Archuleta says
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother Gary, Ronnie and Darrel. I have such fond memories growing up and being at the ranch with all my cousins: Jeannie, Darrel, Ronnie, Gary, Marcia and Karen. We all have wonderful memories. I loved having Kool-Aid at your house, licking salt rock that was suppose to be for the cows, playing dress-ups in the playroom and jumping in hay. I saw Norman cut the head of a chicken off and then we would have chicken for dinner. Margaret was a great cook. Whenever I see sweet pea flowers I think of her. She loved cats, nature and long walks. My mom had many special times with her. Two summers ago, my daughters Cynthia, Jennifer and myself drove to Helena and were able to see Margaret, stay at her place and take her to Ben Franklin to look around. We were glad that we made it. It was our pleasure to have known her and spend time with her. We are thinking of you at this time . Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much Love, Joanne Alm Archuleta
Anne And Bill Mobley says
We have had only 13 years with her when she found her oldest son Bill in California. Bill was thrilled to find his birth mother and I was thrilled to get a wonderful mother in law. Although we are many miles away in California mom was always on our minds and in our hearts. Bill called her every week and spoke to her on the phone and we visited her several times a year. The last time we visited her in July when she was very ill and almost dying she rallied and was aware and talking with us as if she was fine. We said our goodbyes. We knew it might be the last time we would see her and touch her and kiss her. This is a huge loss for all of us because we loved her so much. We will miss her and know she will be in heaven looking down on us. We thank God for the time we did have with her. She was a wonderful wonderful woman and a great mother.
Heather Lievers says
Sending love and prayer for all of you. My deepest sympathy.
Heather Lievers (Marcia’s daughter)
Surrey, BC Canada
Carol Anderson says
Carol Anderson says:
Remembering Margaret & Norm always brings such warm feelings. When my husband Clem (deceased) brought me to their ranch to meet them, they welcomed me into their home & lives with open arms. Margaret always had an “extra plate” at the dinner table; and would not hear of someone not eating! Margaret was my “hero”, handling ranch life, and family, with such ease it seemed; never showing truly the hard work required of her.
To Margaret’s family, I knew you when you were children, and feel priviledged to have been able to share the warmth and love coming from the Alm family.
Carol
Jim & Betsy Phillips says
We are so sorry for your loss. Margaret was such a lovely person. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Tera Olson, Daniel's wife and Jeannie's son says
The Matriarch of the Alm family. She will always be remembered. Grandma Alm was one of the most beautiful women I had the pleasure of knowing. A wonderful Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Mother.
The many stories Daniel has shared, always go back to his amazing childhood growing up on “The Ranch”. He and his cousins sledding down the driveway, Grandma’s cooking, her amazing green thumb, Grandpa’s hard work with animals and barbwire, and both of them always taking care of others.
When we had our daughter, Kyla Jean” (named after Dorothy Jean and Donna Jean), Grandma Alm was so thrilled to have a great granddaughter, who looked like her own daughter, Jeannie. We were so happy that we could bring that joy into her life. Kyla and her GG, were very close. The many visits Danny & I made to Helena were so important, we wanted them both to know each other. We enjoyed watching them grow close.
When we moved back, we were so grateful that we could finally enjoy, contribute and care for her Grandma during her limited time here on earth.
Truly, she was a woman of dignity, love, kindness and truth. She is missed in our hearts, daily. I’m sure her life in Heaven must be grand. She certainly was an Angel.
Kathy Harris Hill says
I remember Aunt Margaret as a kind second mom to me. What a wonderful childhood I had with all the adventures Ronnie, Jeannie, Darrel, Jack and I shared. I can’t believe how patient she was, despite our shenanigans. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with all of you. May Margaret enjoy a joyful reunion with her loved ones in heaven.
Mike Nicholls says
What a great aunt to have in my life. So many great memories, I will never forget the candy dish and watching Bugs Bunny on a fuzzy black and white TV.
Julie Harris Gifford says
So sorry to hear the news about Aunt Margaret we are hoping to attend the services on Wednesday weather permitting thinking of all of you.
Nancy Harris Hewitt says
Very sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Aunt Margaret…number one being her wonderful smile. She reminded me so much of Grandma Harris. May all the wonderful memories help get your family through this difficult time.
Carol Alm Anderson says
I was sad to hear about the passing of Margaret. My thoughts and prayers are with Ronnie, Darrel and Gary. I have such wonderful memories of going to the ranch and the wonderful meals Margaret cooked. I remember Margaret bringing out candy bars after serving lunch. As a young child I thought that was the coolest thing. The ranch was like a big play area. Mark, Gary and I used to play for hours.
Margaret was always so kind. What a remarkable woman! She will truly be missed.
Love, Carol Alm Anderson
Brent & DeAnn Alm says
Dear Ronnie, Darrel & Gary and families,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Aunt Margaret. I have many many choice memories of going with my dad almost every Saturday out to the ranch in Cascade. I would spend two-three weeks in the summer with Uncle Norman and Aunt Margaret. There was never a dull moment and we always had a lot of fun doing all different types of things (working and taking care of the hay, sheep shearing, cattle branding, swimming, fishing, hunting, looking for arrowheads, shooting gophers, many picnics and the list goes on and on).
The food was always delicious and we always had fun being together. One December, DeAnn and I and the kids drove up and we rode the four wheeler, tractor and picked out the perfect Christmas tree and chopped it down. What a fun time my family had. The memories go on and on. Thank you for those memories.
May the Lord’s choicest blessings be with you at this time.
Love, Brent & Denn
Damon Alm (Margarets Oldest Great Grandson) says
Great Grandma was one of the kindest people I have ever meet on this earth. She always welcomed me with a smile. Every time I left she was so thankful for me spending time with her and always said “I love you.” I often looked forward to my trips home and back to Bozeman from Montana State University because it meant that I would get to stop in Helena and spend time with Great Grandma. Some of my fondest memories include times that Great Grandma and I would get to pray together and read the Bible. She often had me read her Psalm 23 which was her favorite. We often talked about Great Grandpa Norman as I was very young when he died. She told me how Norman said that the birth of his first Great Grandsons were the the best thing that ever happened to him. Norman was a great man who worked hard for everything that he had. Margaret had many friends at Touchmark. She was so proud to tell all her friends there about her family. Family meant everything to Margaret and she cherished the times when her apartment at Touchmark was filled with family. Great Grandma taught me many lessons that I am very grateful for and I will always remember her kind and gracious spirit and I will carry that with me wherever I go. I love you Great Grandma and I will miss you dearly.
Psalm 23:1-3 & 6 (Great Grandmas Favorite in the Bible) ” The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His names sake. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Bob and Nancy (Dear) Lemire says
I new Margaret and Norman when they lived out at St Peters Mission, as well as visiting them in Helena. After Margaret found Bill and Ann Mobely, we enjoyed family reunions at the Dana Ranch in Cascade as well as at the Park.
Alene Alm Bloomdale says
Dear Ronnie, Darrel, Gary and families,
I am so sorry to hear that Margaret passed away. So so many wonderful memories of visiting the ranch! Margaret handled the hard work of being a ranch wife with such ease and cheerfulness. I always admired her cooking and was the recipient of many great meals. My mother and Margaret always had a great relationship and always spoke highly of Margaret. I will always remember her goodness and kindness. Much love and prayers to your family.
Alene Alm Bloomdale