Peggy Ann McGowan was born March 30, 1932 and passed away in her home with family on February 13, 2020.
Peggy was born at her family’s ranch in Woodworth, MT to Ernest and Nessie Wolff. The family lived and worked on the ranch until she graduated from Missoula County High School. Peggy found the love of her life, Jim McGowan, and together they raised three children. The family settled in the Helena valley, raising Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred race horses. She was an accomplished trainer and spent many weekends at racetracks throughout the Northwest. With her strong will and independence, she was the leader of the family while her husband worked on the road as an ironworker. She passed down her passion for horses to several generations.
Peggy enjoyed baking, particularly yeast breads and cinnamon rolls. She believed that the grandkids could smell her cinnamon rolls baking from miles away and would show up as they came hot out of the oven. She loved to feed people and no one would leave her table hungry. Peggy’s favorite things were to spend time with her family at the racetrack, O-mok-see and rodeo arenas, moving cattle in the mountains or doing any activity involving her family and the horses she bred and raised.
Peggy also worked for Devore’s Saddlery and was a seamstress, she worked for St. Peter’s Hospital, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Bob’s Valley Market as a baker until she was 80 years old.
Peggy is survived by her sister, Betty Reinoehl; sister-in-law, Florence (Gale) Jerome; children, Roberta Hicks, Toston, Bill (Vicki) McGowan, Helena and Peggy Huntington, Helena; seven grandchildren, Peggy (Steve) Bartmess, Beau (Danielle) Harrell, Allen (Brandy) Huntington, Melissa Huntington, Amanda McGowan, Shawna (Scott) Owens, Casey (Jaycee) McGowan; 12 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.
Peggy was proceeded in death by her husband, Jim McGowan; brother, Bud (Lena) Wolff; brother- in-law, Claud Reinoehl; parents, Ernest Wolff and Nessie (Bill) Alton; and son-in-law, Everett Hicks.
Peggy and Jim are together again and spending their time at the race tracks, enjoying their love for one another and their horses.
A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held on Saturday, February 29th 1:00 pm at the Helena Valley Community Center, 3553 Tizer Rd. Memorials in Peggy’s name may be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or to St Peter’s Health Foundation, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Peggy.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 29, 2020
Helena Valley Community Center
3553 Tizer Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 29, 2020
Helena Valley Community Center
3553 Tizer Road
Helena, Montana 59602
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Chuck and Kim Norman says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire McGowan family.
Bridger Veterinary Hospital says
To the entire McGown clan.
We are so sorry to hear of grandma Peggy’s passing. She and Grandpa McGown were some of our first clients and they soon became friends. We would love listening to their stories and seeing how much their family meant to them.
Peggy was the hardest working woman we’ve ever known, and we’ll miss her sticky buns.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith, Shar, Steve and all your friends at Bridger Vet
Trish & Bart Toney says
It is with deep sadness to hear of the passing of Peggy.
She was a great example to her whole family!
May you each feel her love for you remembering those special moments together throughout the years.
There is no love deeper than a mothers love for her children. Together again with Jim is my first thought!
Thoughts & Prayers to the whole family!
Marilyn Stromberg says
So sorry to hear about Peggy.
Tim & Elaine Myles says
Our deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to all of Peggy’s family.
Ray & Barb Baum says
McGowan Family:
We always enjoyed our visits with your Mom and Dad our sympathies on your loss. They always leave a hole at family gatherings, may the memories continue.
Anna Salini says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family. In my thoughts and prayers.
Bj Benjamin says
My prayers are for you and your family
RD and Carol Smith says
We send our condolences to the family. We remember the times at the racetracks in Montana. We remember all the times with horses and kids.
Kriss Frank says
Thinking of all of you right now and offering up prayers for peace during this time. She was an awesome lady and I enjoyed both her and Jim.
Cliff kimpton says
My thoughts and prayers are with you
Vickie Blixt says
Prayers for comfort to the family. What an amazing woman.
Flo and Dan Jenkins says
So sorry for your loss. Thinking about your whole family, our hearts are with you at this most difficult time. Peggy was such a great lady. Wish we could be there for the service, but we will still be in Arizona then. Hugs are sent your way.
Dale Battrick says
I’m very sorry to hear of ( Grandma’s ) Peggy’s passing! I loved her sense of humor at Bob’s, and enjoyed working in the bakery with her. I loved listening to her stories of the old days. She was a very tough woman and I will always remember that about her. She would never let me call her anything but Grandma. All her family and friends are in my prayers.
Candice Score says
Love and prayers to the whole family ❤️ I grew up riding with the McGowans at O-Mok-Sees, and they trained a racehorse I had. Indeed, Peggy and Jim were good, dedicated trainers! Peggy was always smiling, but tough. She was a loving Mom and Grandma and will be missed. Hugs to all.
Angela Ewing says
I remember her at the O-Mok-Sees. She was either timing with my Mom or up in the announcers booth with my Dad. May she soar on Angel’s wings.
Michael Glueckert says
Im so sorry of the loss of my neighbor. Peggy was a great neighbor never had any problems and was always more than kind and generous to me and my family. She had a kind heart and we all will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with family at this time. Again i am so sorry of your loss .
Carol Leistiko says
All of us who knew and loved her.Will miss her no matter how far apart we are in miles but always in our hearts .RIDE ON PEGGY.
Linda and Jerry says
Linda and Jerry Richards says we are very sorry for your loss and send prayers and comfort thru our Lord to you and family
Diana Connick says
The entire McGowen family was a force to reckon with at O-Mok-see’s. They were (are) a great competitive family and PEGGY would hold her own in any and all. I loved Jim and Peggy so much then and later with extended family with dogs! I know they are both together again riding broncs and training them! God bless the remaining bunch of McGowen family and May they know the rejoicing up in heaven.
Nora Bazuin says
I am so sorry to see Peggy passed away. I know how much she meant to Peggy H and the grandchildren. I remember her for years at Bob’s Valley Market and she was always kind and friendly. My thoughts and prayers for all her family.
glen Hinmans says
Sorry in the loss of Peggy she will be missed by all who knew her my thoughts are with you all
Steve funden says
I’m sorry for your loss I know this will be a tough time for all involved stay strong my friends cherish the memories 💕
Cheri O'Brien says
Shawna I’m So Sorry About You Loosening Another Grandmother . I Remember Meeting Your Grandma At the RaceTracks In Kenniwick,Washington .