Margaret Jean Ferguson Wilkison, 73, went peacefully to be with her Lord in the presence of family on September 14th, 2020. She was born to Jean Elaine Davidson and Edward Marcus Ferguson Jr. on November 26th, 1946 in Hamilton, Montana. As the daughter of a preacher, they lived in Corvallis, then Lewistown, followed by Alberta Canada. She started school in Malta. She attended middle school and high school in Wilsall graduating in 1964. After graduation, she attended Briercrest Bible Institute and graduated in 1967 with a degree in Biblical Studies followed by studying at Bryan University, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She earned her Masters Degree in Elementary Education in 1994 from Leslie College.
Margaret taught elementary school in 4th grade, 6th grade, and title math for a total of 37 years at Kessler Elementary School. She then continued testing and substitute teaching for the district for additional years. She completed her career in education with over 40 years of service. Her teaching career highlights include the annual class trip to the Gates of the Mountains and teaching children, their parents, and their grandparents—3 generations of students.
Margaret loved motorcycle riding, snowmobiling, and summer road trips with friends making it to 49 states. Her talents included crocheting, quilting, sewing, needlework, photography, and creative writing with Christian Women.
She enjoyed singing with the Helena Symphony Choir where she met her husband, Wade Wilkison. Margaret and Wade married, August 5th, 1985 (8-5-85) in Helena. They had two children Michelle and Marc. As a family, she enjoyed trips to Yellowstone, Glacier, Zion, Holland Lake, Seeley Lake, Road Trips to Pennsylvania, kayaking, camping in Washington and Oregon, beaches in Hawaii, cruising through the panama canal, trips to Ireland and England, and watching the Rose Parade in Pasadena, all while collecting spoons along the way.
Margaret adored her children and grandchildren, cheering and supporting them in all their activities, having one of the loudest voices in the crowd. Once the kids were grown, she enjoyed Bible study, small group, bunco group, coffee group, sewing club, soaking at the Broadwater, and retired teachers’ luncheons.
Margaret is survived by her husband Wade Wilkison of Helena, children Michelle (Andrew) Mozer, Marc Wilkison, grandchildern Joel & Alexia Mozer; three sisters Ruth Ferguson of Laurel, Lois (Norm) Spivey of Indiana, Beth (Todd) Lange of Idaho, beloved Aunt Verla (Mike) Robert of Arizona, & cherished nieces, nephews, & cousins.
Her burial is set for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 19th, 2020 at Forestvale Cemetery, 690 Forestvale Rd. A Celebration of Margaret’s life will follow the burial at 1:00 p.m., at Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback St.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Margaret.
Fay Dee Hamilton says
My deepest sympathy to the family. Margaret was one of my dearest friends from high school and one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. I cherish laughter and memories we’ve shared, seeing her at events in Helena and our “reunion luncheons” with other classmates. Heaven is surely a little brighter today as her soul has entered. Peace and prayers.
Sherrie Bertrand says
Sorry for your lost I had her in elementary school at Kessler and she was a great teacher
Carol Ann Jacobsen says
How does one begin to corral memories of a dear friend that go back to our early teaching days and that continued to accumulate through the years of Margaret’s marriage to Wade and the births of Michelle and Marc, and then grow as she shared her joy of having two grandchildren, Joel and Alexia?
Margaret and I never ran out of topics to laugh and talk about, from our trials and fun in our respective classrooms to our exasperation with deer munching on our flowers and to books that we’d read and shared.
I am blessed to have had Margaret as a friend for almost 50 years. I will remember her as a positive and courageous person who didn’t complain during the months that she was ill. She always had a ready smile and was happy to visit during her illness to catch up on the news of Bunco and coffee group friends.
She will be greatly missed by her family and friends and remembered by the hundreds of students who were fortunate to have had her as their teacher.
D. Mantz says
Being young schoolmates, growing up in a small community, bonded us. You are a dear friend and will be forever in my heart. ❤️
Donna ohs says
Dear Wade and your family,
So sorry about your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. She was a special lady.
May you feel Our Lord’s loving arms around you!
Donna
Joyce Yager says
My deepest sympathy to Wade and family.
I have known Margaret since grade school. I will miss hour 2 to 3 hour lunches at Taco Johns and our long telephone chats. It was always nice to see and talk to her after church, that always meant a lot to me.
I am so very blessed to have had Margaret as a friend all these years.
Love and prayers.
Connie Ferriter says
Wade and family, I am so sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless
Virginia Wille says
Oh My, I’m so shocked! I taught with Margaret for about 13 years at Kessler. Memories are beautiful of sitting at the concerts in the Civic Center, with the family. When Marc was little he would fall asleep, but NEVER made a peep during the concerts. We often saw each other at water Areobics at the old Broadwater. Always a huge grin on her face. Sending prayers, hugs and sincere sympathy to the family.😓
Clarice Main says
Memories of meeting Margaret at Bryan College, then traveling together for two summers as young teachers ( She from Montana as I taught in Dallas.) We camped in a tiny tent, visited relatives and friends, played flute duets, enjoyed museums, National parks, saw Atlantic Ocean & east coast one summer, West coast the next. What adventures! Fearless, fun, and concerned about eternal things. Bridesmaid in my wedding. Fond memories of our young just-out-of-college days. Hugs to family. Margaret, we will meet again in Heaven & catch up!!
Diana Larson Hohman says
Margaret was my dearest friend before grade school and then in grade school. We played as 4 year olds at home in Malta and at bible camp. I am sure she is looking down on us now and singing with the angels. i was shocked to read she had passed and will miss her comments and “ likes” on Facebook. She was my oldest friend from days gone by. My condolences to her family.
Myrna Mangis Doney says
Dear Wade and family. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting you. I lived across the alley from Margie and her family When we were children in Malta. We were classmates in grade school. I’m shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. Blessings on all of you for comfort and peace. May the angels hold you close.
Jack G Foster says
Wade and Family,
Both Melody and I are shocked at this sad news. We will be praying for you and your children/grand children through all of this.
We were very blessed to know Margaret and you through our kids!!
May the Lord comfort you and give you peace during this moment of life.
Blessings,
Tom & Terry (Ewing) Schulz says
Wade, Marc, and Michelle you thought and prayers . Although we did not know Margaret well, she always showed kindness in notes to us. Aunt Pat spoke of all of you with deep admiration, love and respect. We were invited to cruise with all of you through the Panama Canal, but alas had other vacation plans at that time. Know this, Margaret was a loving and faithful child of God. She has departed this earth, but not your hearts. Margaret loved you all very much and is waiting for you in her Heavenly new home.
Love your cousins,
Tom and Terry (Ewing) Schulz
Linda Daniels says
So very sorry to hear about Margaret. It’s been many years since you and family came to visit my home in Michigan with Aunt Pat. Love and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless. Your cousin Linda Wilkison Daniels
Linda C Stewart says
Wade, Michelle and Marc, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Margaret was a very special woman and cousin to me and although distance made family gatherings very rare when we did meet it seemed as if no time had passed. I loved listening to her talk about her family and all her adventures. Our Life events seem to run in parallel so it was easy for us reconnect. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time and I hope memories of her help support you thru this time.
Love, Your Pa. Cousin Linda (Ferguson) Stewart
Dick and Arlene Henderson says
Wade, Marc, Michelle and family Dick and I are shocked and saddened to hear about Margaret. She and your family were one of the first special friends we had when we moved to Helena. And Margaret and the Ferguson family were some of the first friends my family had when we moved to Malta in 1952. So she and I go way back. We have some very fond memories of you all while we lived in Helena. she will be missed. Our prayers and love go with you at this time.
so she and I go way back
Mary Helen Boggs says
So shocked and saddened to hear of Margaret’s passing. Last summer Bart and I so enjoyed staying with you all. Margaret was her usual cheerful self as we visited and she showed us the many sights around her beloved city. Since Margaret and I were roommates one year at Bryan it was a joy to see some of the sights she had told me about so often. Of course her biggest delight was sharing her family with us. May each of you experience God’s comfort, peace and love in these days and in the days and years to come as you learn to live without her. Heaven awaits for all us who know the Lord. Someday there will be a great reunion.
Connie Erickson says
I only knew Margaret for a few years, but she just radiated kindness. I never heard her utter a cross word or say anything bad about anyone. She always saw the good in people. She loved being a grandmother. Rest In Peace, Margaret, and may flights of angels take you to your rest.
Chris Mundt says
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is with you all at this difficult time. Margaret was a very special person. She always had a positive outlook on life, and a happy, loving personality. My years working with her at Kessler, as a friend, and our “sharing times” together when our kids were young, will always be special. (I had never heard of carrot soup before until I got to be friends with her!)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. Always remember, memories are the gifts of life, and I know she gave you all many. ❤️
Love,
Chris Mundt
Debbie Cole says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Miss Ferguson was my 6th grade teacher at Kessler School. I remember het kind smile and caring heart. Sending prayers and warm thoughts.
Paulette Hutcheon says
I just found the notice of Margaret’s death and am so sorry for her family and friends. I worked with her at Kessler several years and came to respect her and appreciate the warmth, wittiness, and friendliness of Wade and her children. Take care of your hearts as you grieve such a big loss.
Cathie Schoer says
Wade and family. I am so sorry to read of Margaret’s passing. I so enjoyed our times at Ray Bjork. She always had a smile and was a lovely person inside and out. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Linda Paull says
My thoughts and prayers are being sent your way through this difficult time. Margaret was an amazing person and I enjoyed getting to know her during the masters program. Remember all the good times and know she is looking down at you with a smile on her face.
Ron Alles says
Mrs. Wilkison was my 4th grade teacher and I can still remember how easy it was to learn from her because she was so good at what she did. I’m thankful to have been impacted by her and I’m extra thankful to know she loved the Lord! I’m glad she’ll be with Jesus but my condolences go to her family and loved ones. You’ll all be in my family’s thoughts and prayers.
Dolores Ohs Stebbins says
Dear Wade and family,
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers for your family. I knew Margaret when she was a young girl in Malta. I was a teenager residing in their basement while attending high school. Then later we both found our selves in Helena as adults and renewed our friendship. I then moved to Az. and distance gave us some contact through Facebook. Margaret was a special person displaying her love of God and then of others through out her life.