Margaret Ward

SPRINGFIELD, MO. - Margaret Ward, 86, longtime resident of Moccasin and Great Falls, who moved to Springfield, Mo., in April 2011 to be closer to her daughter and family, died Monday, June 25, at Manor Care Health Services in Springfield.

Cremation has taken place and inurnment will take place in the Lewistown City Cemetery at a future date.

Margaret was born in Fergus County (Roy) on Sept. 11, 1925, to Arthur P. and Sarah (Thomas) Jones. She attended school in Roy and was a graduate of Stevensville High School in Stevensville. Margaret married John Ward in 1946, and together they raised their family on a wheat farm near Moccasin.

Margaret joined the Order of Eastern Star, Vesper Chapter #83, in Hobson in 1955. She and John were Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron in 1968-1969. They enjoyed square dancing, playing cards with their friends, and traveling to Hemet, Calif., for the winters after their children were grown.

Margaret moved to Great Falls in 1981, where she worked at Conrad's Clothing Store in the Holiday Village Mall for several years. While living in Great Falls, Margaret became interested in learning to play duplicate bridge. She took bridge lessons, joined the American Contract Bridge League and bridge became her passion. She enjoyed the challenge of the game and meeting new friends and other bridge enthusiasts.

Margaret is survived by her daughter, Derinda (Phillip) Harsha and two grandchildren, Tyler Harsha and Amber (Jeremy) Popek.

Margaret was preceded in death by a son, Dennis; brothers Evan, Richard and William Jones and her parents, Arthur and Sarah Jones.

Memorials may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Montana, P.O. Box 4789, Fort Harrison, MT 59636.

Condolences may be posted online at www.gftribune.com/obituaries.