Margaret R. Sperry, age 94, of Helena

Margaret Ruth “2 Greats and Grandma” Sperry (Van Diest)

Margaret passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital from natural causes on December 30, 2024 in Helena, Montana. Margaret was less than a month from being 95 years old.

Margaret was born in Laurel Montana on January 26, 1930 to Martin and Alice Van Diest. She was the oldest of three siblings. The family dry land farmed between Three Forks and Boulder Montana and eventually finally moved to Helena. She graduated from Helena High School in 1948 and from the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing on March 18, 1949. Although she never worked in a hospital, she cared for family members as the needs arose. She married her high school sweetheart Donald upon returning to Helena on May 8th, 1949. After marriage Margaret worked alongside her husband at Sperry’s Canvas and Upholstery. Later they added the Antique Shop. Once this business closed, Margaret went to work for Mountain Bell Phone Company and retired from there.

Many years of Margaret’s life were spent with Donald going to gun and antique shows and estate auctions with the family. She was an avid shooter and won numerous awards in marksmanship to the chagrin of many men. Margaret was an avid baker, gardener, doll collector/maker, antique lover and reader. She loved playing the piano and organ. Margaret was crafty, loved to sew, crochet, knit and much more. She loved to travel and after retirement she had to convince Donald to join her. Once the convincing was done there was no stopping them on their adventures. Margaret loved to travel via train and preferred to “ride the rails”. Later in life Margaret loved spending time with her loved ones, reading and listening to live music. She also preferred to pass the time by working on any and all puzzles.

Margaret was preceded in death by her mother and father Martin and Alice Van Diest, husband Donald Sperry, son David Sperry, great grandson Dakota Straughn, grandson Benjamin Sperry, brother Stanley Van Diest and numerous extended family members and friends.

Margaret is survived by sister Kay Phipps, son Michael Sperry, daughters Kristine (Neil) Wahl, Carolyn (James) Meier, Kathleen Arlint, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great greatgrandchildren.

The family suggests donations in Margaret’s name be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, 113 W Main East Helena or any program or services for veterans of the donor’s choice.

Special thanks to St. Peter’s Hospital staff for making her last days as comfortable as possible and Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a reception to follow in the social hall of the funeral home. A burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Helena.

Service Schedule

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Wednesday January 8, 2025

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the service

Wednesday January 8, 2025

Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Burial

Following the reception

Wednesday January 8, 2025

Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery

7100 n Montana Ave.

59602,

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