Margaret “Marjorie” Ruth Rathje Davies went to be with the Lord on the evening of January 6th, 2013 at 7:25 p.m. of natural causes. Marjorie was 86 years old and surrounded by numerous family members.
Marjorie Davies was born in Red Lodge, MT at 3:00 a.m. on August 30, 1926. She was the first of twelve born to Leona Mary and Tobjorn “Toby” Haakon Rathje (Rathie).
Marjorie attended school in Butte, MT. She lead a very adventurous life, she loved to camp, and did often with her family. Also she loved to float the Yellowstone River with brothers, Bernard and Denny. Our mom loved to read, to crochet doilies and rugs (they were beautiful) which she gave to many friends and family. Another one of Marjorie’s favorite crafts was making pine cone wreaths and other arrangements. She was a good gardener and loved all of her flowers. Marjorie was an excellent story teller; everyone loved hearing the many stories about her family and the adventures she experienced.
In her early days, Marjorie worked with her dad, as well as her brother, Ray, in their tailor shops. Marjorie was a great cook and cooked on many ranches. She had also spent some time working as a sheep herder and lived in a sheep wagon. Marjorie worked as a senior companion and loved her work helping the elderly; she eventually became a recipient of the senior companionship program.
Mom arrived in Elliston and started cooking at our Little Red School House – she enjoyed all of the kids and loved cooking for them. She was well liked by all. She was active in the church and did the linens for them.
Marjorie is preceded in death by her husband, Cyril William “Slim” Davies; father Toby Rathje; mother Leona Rathje; brothers, Raymond, Leonard, and Larry Rathie; and sister Lavonne.
She is survived by three daughters, Cheryl (Bruce) Thomas, Elaine Hallock Davies, and Marla (Paul) Stockton. Four sisters; Louise “Tizzy” (Charles) Eskro, Marlene (Rick) Boyles, Lonna Collett, and Alona (Toni) Stancil; three brothers Toby Jr. (Bonnie) Rathie, Bernard (Lynn) Rathie, Dennis “Denny” Rathie; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one on the way, and a great-great-granddaughter. One of Mom’s greatest joys was Sarah, her granddaughter, who has special needs.
We would like to thank some special people; Cindy Rater, Mom’s niece and CNA at Big Sky Care Center, for her loving care that she gave our mother and for everything she did for the rest of the family. Jodi Thomas, who, when called, would be there to help and would also just pop in to see how Mom was doing; her grandsons, Logan and Levi Thomas for mowing the lawn and bringing her mail. Marilyn, Jodi, Kerri, and Ann Marie Thomas and Susie Hiltz for cooking over the past few years and the many other things they did; Her very good friend, Doris Stinson, who was always there for her; Mom’s senior companion Beryl Hoff who often took her, on Wednesdays, to the Avon Family Café for coffee and to visit with people; Father Stew Long who provided the spiritual guidance for her to go home to the Lord as well as the peaceful presence he gave the family during this difficult time; and The Big Sky Care Center for the wonderful care they provided Mom in her final days.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Vigil to begin at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 10th in the chapel at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 11th at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Interment will be at Elliston Cemetery following the funeral service with a reception at Elliston School following the interment. Memorials in Margie’s name are suggested to Senior Companions program – Rocky Mountain Development Council, 200 Cruse Ave, Helena, MT 59601 or Elliston Cemetery, PO BOX 11 Elliston c/o Sue Hiltz, MT 59728.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday January 10, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday January 10, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday January 11, 2013
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, MT 59601
Interment
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday January 11, 2013
Elliston Cemetery
Elliston , MT
Reception
Following the Interment
Friday January 11, 2013
Elliston School
205 West Main Street
Elliston, MT 59728
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday January 10, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday January 10, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday January 11, 2013
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, MT 59601
Interment
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday January 11, 2013
Elliston Cemetery
Elliston , MT
Reception
Following the Interment
Friday January 11, 2013
Elliston School
205 West Main Street
Elliston, MT 59728
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Terry and Ed Senecal says
So sorry to hear of Margies passing – our girls were sad when they heard – they Loved Margies cooking when she was at the Elliston School – I just loved visiting with her every day she was there – I’m sure Margie and Bernie are having quite the visit by now – they have a lot of catching up to do… Hugs to the family.
Heather Hallock says
What a GREAT obituary. Finally, I’ve cried over my Grandma’s passing, I am really going to miss her :-/
timmy grosvold says
I always loved margie she would come and stay with us and work in the bar with my mom Rose .i know mom was very close to her and they had alot of fun togeather . I will remember her dancing at the family reunions and making me a scarecrow out fit for halloween that won me 1st prize.See you on the other side Margie.Love you
Cheryl Thomas says
Some things I wanted to say about mom. Mom came from a big family, she came from a loving family they were from the oldest to the youngest so very close. Mom being the oldest 86, and Toni being the youngest 62, her brothers and sisters they are always there for one another. I love you mom & I love all my uncles and aunts, (my grandma & grandpa) I am happy and thankful for the times I lived at grandma & grandpa’s, to me that was what family life was all about.
Mom said the rosary everyday for all of her family, God bless You mom and thank you for your prayers, I know you will continue to pray for us! I miss you so much already
Jennifer Hallock says
Grandma I miss you so much already, I know you will always be with me.
Lonna Collett says
My sister Margie loved to dance. She would dance alone when there was no partner to be had. She was the only one of the girls who could keep up with Father, except for Mother. It was like a fast waltz. As a young woman living in Butte, in the war and post war days, there was a lot of dancing going on. I can see her now dancing away. I will miss her terribly. We had a lot of hour visits on the phone. We always had a lot to say. But we will meet again. Lonna