Margaret M. Liles of Helena passed away July 20, 2023 of natural causes. She was born in the family home in Terry, MT on July 21, 1934. Margaret was the youngest child of August and Tilly (Ehman) Meidinger, joining brothers Arthur and Milo. On her first day of school, she met Don Liles, “the nicest boy in first grade.” They graduated from Terry High School in 1952 and were married on June 26, 1954.
They made their first home in Billings, later moving to Bozeman, then to Aberdeen, Maryland and Albuquerque, New Mexico when Don served in the Army, back to Montana to Bozeman, Anaconda and in 1967, Helena, where they built a home in the Helena Valley. Working together to build that home was a rewarding adventure, the highlight of which for Margaret was driving to the building site after Don went to work each day, climbing the ladder with the radio tuned to “Coffee Break” and installing roofing (pounding nails, no power nailers in those days!)
Eager to learn to read as a child, Margaret made books and all aspects of language a large part of her life, serving as the basis of employment, answers to questions mundane and spiritual, and providing hours of pure enjoyment in leisure times. Her last job was as a Bills Editor for the Montana Legislative Council.
Margaret was an active member of the Evangelical Covenant Church (now Life Covenant) throughout her years in Helena. Always a lover of nature and animals, she happily volunteered at Helena Area Friends of Pets and Wild About Cats when they were established in Helena.
Margaret is survived by her husband Don; nephews Don Meidinger of Billings, Bob Meidinger of Laurel, and Gary Meidinger of Missoula; nieces Charice Chambers of Palmer, Alaska and Julie Westenberg of Pasco, Washington. Preceding her in death were her parents, and brothers Art and Milo.
Margaret admired and enjoyed plants and flowers and preferred to see them growing rather than cut, but should anyone desire, Memorial Gifts to Life Covenant Benevolence Fund (800 N Hoback, Helena, MT 59601) or Wild About Cats (9 Williams Way, Clancy, MT 59634), to carry on her concern for people and animals would be appreciated.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 28, 2023 at Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback with a Luncheon to follow the service at the church. Burial will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison.
“For God so loved the World that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal Life.” John 3:16
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 28, 2023
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback
Helena, Montana 59601
Luncheon
Following the service
Friday July 28, 2023
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the reception
Friday July 28, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 28, 2023
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback
Helena, Montana 59601
Luncheon
Following the service
Friday July 28, 2023
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the reception
Friday July 28, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Ken haab says
Don so sorry about Margaret. We so enjoyed our lunches with you and Margaret for many years.
Lyle and Diane Person says
Very special lady that meant so much to those of us that knew and loved her!
Sandy Bradford says
What blessings you brought into my life! As a Charter Member of the ‘7 Fork Society’, only 3 remain with loving memories of our once- a-month luncheons sharing a common dessert (hence 7 forks). Friendships forged amongst life’s trials, carrying each other’s burdens, unconditional love and holding each other’s deepest sorrows and frailties with complete confidentiality. What a gift of time and trustworthy friendships! She always brought half of her lunch home to Don! They have both demonstrated life long commitment to one another in so many ways. I celebrate your home-going and your new address in heaven.
Larry & Connie Wall says
Don, we are so sorry about the loss of Margaret. She has always been special to us and we recall the day we placed our first son in her arms at church. The boys loved coming to your little farm and riding the mower and seeing the horses. Hard to leave you and Montana when we did. Too short a time with the boys. May Margaret rejoice in her heavenly home and may God give you comfort and peace in the days, weeks and years ahead without her by your side.
Larry and Connie
Jo Ann Back (formerly Jones) says
Oh my…I just saw this and am saddened to hear of Margaret’s passing. She was a great friend to me over the years and was often comic relief for me. Our mutual friend Hilda Funk and I would often say that Margaret was like a poor man’s Carol Burnett, only funnier. She had a heart of gold and was full of compassion and always seemed to know when I needed a hug, a laugh or an encouraging word. I remember one time when I was working in the church office, Margaret and I were trying to change the copier toner. One of us accidentally dropped it and the fine ink was like a dark plume that covered both of us–our faces, our clothes and the floor. We looked like raccoons. Margaret and I silently laughed until tears rolled down our face since the pastor was in a counseling session in another room. I’ll never forget her. Heaven gained an angel. Love you Don!