Margaret D. Walton passed away at her home on June 12, 2009, after a long and active life. "Gram," as she was fondly called by almost everyone, was born on June 21, 1916, to Leroy and Margaret (Ostegren) Devore.

She spent her childhood years in Darby and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1933. Gram attended Montana State College in the fall of 1933 and became a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She was active in Alpha Gamma Delta for many years.

Gram married William Walton on July 14, 1940, in Missoula. They had two children, Mary Lee James (Rodney) of Whitehall, and William A. Walton (Kristy) of Three Forks. She has four grandchildren: Mike James (Kathy) of Helena, Juli Mattfeldt (Jay) of Helena, Jay James (Sarah) of Miles City, and Jason Walton (Erin) of Milwaukee; and eight great-grandchildren: Courtney and Alexandra James, Emily Armstrong, Kyli and Sydney Mattfeldt, Eric James, and Ione Ellory Walton. Gram had a sister, Carol Senkel (Robert). Carol's children, Margaret Otto (Adrian) and Robert Senkel were very special to Gram as well.

Gram never got old. The saying, "You are only as old as you feel," applied to Gram, she never felt old and greeted each day with enthusiasm. She was always up for an adventure and ready to go. She was intelligent, up-to-date, and had a great sense of humor; as a result she was comfortable with everyone, from the very young to her peers, and they in turn truly enjoyed her company. Everyone - kids, college students and relatives - knew they had a friend they could count on, and all will miss her.

She was a sports fan at heart. She loved to watch the Yankees, the Bozeman Hawks, the Bozeman Bucks, and the Bozeman Stealers. For Gram, there was nothing better than an afternoon spent watching a baseball or softball game. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in baseball, basketball, bowling, tennis, softball, tae kwon do, wrestling and football.

Gram was active in many organizations throughout her life. Some of these organizations included Camp Fire Girls, Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, Order of the Eastern Star, and Daughters of the Nile. Gram also volunteered her time at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital for many years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Walton, in 1977.

Memorials may be sent to Bozeman Deaconess Hospice, 915 Highland Blvd., Bozeman 59715; or to the Bozeman Bucks Baseball, P.O. Box 6054, Bozeman 59771.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 10, at Bozeman First Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service; www.dokkennelson.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bozeman Daily Chronicle on Jun. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Walton

3 Entries

Carmen Pennington

June 30, 2009

To all of Margaret's family, I am so sorry for your loss. "M" was a very special lady and a great friend. I enjoyed many Taco Bell dinners with her while I was at MSU and keeping in touch throughout the years. There were never a shortage of smiles and laughs whether it be in person, through letters or on the phone. Hope your special memories comfort you through the upcoming days.

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June 26, 2009

Mary Lee and Bill, what wonderful memories I have of your Mom and really of your whole family. We shared so many happy times together as children and growing up. I recall the Sunday night dinners, the picnics, the camping trips and of course all of the Campfire Girl camps and Alpha Gamma Delta events. Your Mother was so special to me. I have to smile when I recall our trip to the AGD International Convention in New Hampshire in 1964 with a stop over in Chicago. I don't think any of us had been east of Billings before that trip! Toadie will surely be missed by all who knew her. Losing one's mother is never easy, even when we know it is time. However I do know that the wonderful memories you have of her will help ease your pain.

Much love to you and your families,
Marilyn Uhlrich Nickel

Patricia Kossler

June 17, 2009

Bill and Mary Lee, My heartfelt sympathy to you both at the loss of your mother. Oh, so many times I have enjoyed "Toadie's company each time I would stop off and visit with her. She loved Alpha Gamma Delta so much and enjoyed going to IRD and the various gatherings we had for the undergrads. I'll never forget watching a few innings of baseball on high volume with her....ha ha
I have so many fond memories of her,and want to tell you both how much I truly enjoyed being around her when I would come visit. When I first met her back in 1979 at an AGD alumni meeting and from then on, she has welcomed me to the community, county, state. Memories of her will remain in my heart always as I am sure you both will have the same feelings as well.
Sincerely, Pat Kossler, Raton NM, formerly of Gallatin Gateway, MT

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