Margaret Mary Hanson

Born July 22, 1924 in Hamilton, MT to Malcolm and Augusta Sizer, hard working orchard farmers and grocery store owners. Margaret was the 3rd of 4 daughters along with a twin brother, Sonny. She was named Margaret Mary, after her twin aunts. She had a very close relationship with her parents and siblings, Dorothy and Ethel (both dec). Her best friend and younger sister Betty lives in Ogden, UT. Margaret had a wonderful childhood with cherished memories riding cows, working at family owned Economy Foods in Montana, and meeting the love of her life, Maynard “Mike” Hanson at 13 years old and continuing a love that would last forever. Mike went to WWII and after graduating from Hamilton High School, Margaret went to Kinman Business School in Spokane, WA where she was a member of Alpha lota sorority. Mike and “Marge” were married August 26, 1945, a union that brought hard work and formed a foundation of love and friendship that would touch so many. Mike passed away in 2002. Work took them to Martin City, Hamilton, Anaconda and finally Butte and Ramsay, MT, where Margaret lived for 65 years that included being the cook at Ramsay School where she met and stayed in touch with many she served. Margaret was proud to be Mom, to four children, all born two years apart; Michael Earl, Missoula,(Barb dec.) (Sanch), Robert Edward, Hamilton, Shirley Ann Rognstad (Rod), Ramsay, and Sharon Marie (Chuck dec.), Las Vegas, all of whom cherished their Mother deeply and cared for her and lived beside her when she needed it most. Marge was an adventurous lady who traveled the Alaska-Canadian Highway sleeping in a truck bed, snowmobiled the mountains of Montana, loved camping in the trailer where every grandchild has fond memories of camping with Grandma and Grandpa, fishing, climbing rocks, campfires and good times. She and Mike traveled often with her sisters and their husbands as well as friends to Chicago, Louisiana, Hawaii, Alaska, North Dakota, Canada and all over the Northwest to visit family and friends. Known as Auntie Marge to so many Sizer family nieces and nephews, she was a matriarch for those who gathered every other summer in celebration of family. Marge made this year’s reunion in June. Gramma Bum as she was known to all grandkids and even their friends, was full of spirit, love and generosity. Christmas at Gramma’s meant presents piled as tall as children, followed by an enormous holiday meal and usually a competitive card game or two. Surviving and grateful grandchildren include Kerry (Glen) Hanson, Amy (Aaron) Griffin, Ryan And Mark Rognstad, Monika (Jesse) Shook and seven great grandchildren, Kaden, Konner, Robbie, her “buddy” Henry, Faith, Holden & Kinley. Perhaps she is best known for her friendship. Friendship meant sharing an afghan, playing card games, crocheting a doily, making and giving a package of cinnamon rolls, sharing a filled cookie or her home. At her house, whether for a short visit or a long stay, there was always room for more at the kitchen table or on the davenport. Her friendships transcended generations; some of her best friends were young in age. An amazing woman has become our angel and we are forever blessed for having her as our Mother, Grandmother, sister and friend. In honor of her today, take time to visit with someone, send a card, call a friend, tell those around you that you love them, live with a grateful heart.

Tributes

Margaret Mary Hanson

July 22, 1924 - August 2, 2018