Margaret Gustavson Smith

1924 - 2025

Margaret Gustavson Smith

August 5, 1924 - October 7, 2025

Margaret Gustavson Smith was born August 5, 1924 in Kansas City, Mo. Her parents were Hulda Pettersson-Gustavson and Gustav Gustavson. In 1935, the family moved back to Sweden and Margaret and her brother, Harry, finished their education in Karlsborg, Sweden. (Because of this, Margaret was multilingual. She was fluent in Swedish and English and she could also speak German and French.) A sister, Britta, was born in 1935.

After WWII, both Margaret and Harry traveled back to the USA and, while Harry returned to Sweden, Margaret stayed, marrying Stephen S. Smith in Denton, MT in 1952. Together, they farmed and raised their four children: Margareta (Knopik), Maryann (Seilstad), and the twins, Peter and Stanley. During this time she also earned her LPN license and worked in Lewistown for 20 years.

As "empty nesters," Margaret and Stephen moved from the farm south of Denton into the town of Denton, then to Helena, and on to Dillon, where Stephen died in 2010. Margaret moved back to Denton, in the fall of 2010-full circle.

Margaret died on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, with family present. She is survived by her children, nine grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. A short graveside service will be held at the Denton Cemetery on October 17th at 11 a.m. with Rev. Margee Smith.

While the family has designated the Denton Community Methodist Church, the Denton Lion's Club or the Denton Volunteer Fire Department, memorials can be made to the charity or organization of choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.