Peggy Jean Redman

Peggy Jean Redman went to be with Jesus in the early morning hours of October 13, 2025, with her lifelong partner and very best friend, Earl Mortensen, by her side.

Peggy was born on February 3, 1949, in Miles City, Montana, the daughter of Charles and Kate (Hamby) Redman. Her parents often told the story of her eventful arrival and homecoming. It was during a bad winter with 36 inches of snow on the ground and the ranch was 66 miles from the nearest hospital. Charles was terrified to have them both so far from medical facilities, so in mid-January, Kate was taken to Miles City. She stayed with dear family friends, Verne and Margaret Jones until Peggy's arrival. Kate and Peggy ended up staying in town an additional 3 ½ weeks. Charles finally hired an airplane and pilot to fly his newborn daughter and wife home to the family ranch near Ismay, Montana. When Charles finally got to hold Peggy, she was wrapped in so many blankets he couldn't tell which end was her head and which was her feet!

Peggy grew up on the family ranch 16 miles southeast of Ismay, Montana. She attended Spring Creek Country School for grades 1-7. After that, she went to Plevna, Montana for 8th grade and all four years of high school. Following graduation, she enrolled in Miles Community College for two years. She then transferred to Eastern Montana College, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Her first, last, and only teaching position took her to Forsyth, Montana where she taught third grade for 38 years. All of her students were "her kids" and she continued to follow, encourage, and pray for them even after they left her classroom. She retired in May of 2008, but that retirement only lasted 3 ½ months! That fall, she went back to Forsyth Elementary School as a teacher's aide. She loved working for Beverly Buckalew and KariLea Hutchins. Real retirement came in 2011, following the death of her mom and declining health of her dad.

Peggy loved the "real" retirement stage of her life and being able to devote even more time to helping those in need. She was affectionately known as "the card lady", rarely missing a chance to send a birthday, anniversary, get well, or sympathy card. She was a selfless, caring woman who always thought of others before herself. Peggy lived out the love of Christ, not just in her spoken and written words, but also by her actions and commitment to prayer.

In her spare time, Peggy's favorite thing to do was to spend time with her family and friends. She frequently remarked that the greatest blessings in her life were her strong faith, wonderful family and fantastic friends. She also loved to read her Bible, bake, attend rodeos, and travel to new places.

Life here on earth will never be the same without our dear Peggy, but we rejoice in the fact that she is with her Savior and reunited with the family and friends that she missed so much. Preceding her in death were her mother, father, and beloved sister, Marilyn Kelly. Peggy is survived by her lifelong partner, Earl Mortensen of Forsyth, Earl's daughter, Tanya (Rod) Fitch of Seattle, WA, brother-in-law, Rod Kelly of Ismay, MT, two nephews, Shawn (Candice) Kelly of Miles City, MT and Troy Kelly of the family ranch at Ismay, MT. She is also survived by the "lights of her life", a great niece, Rachel Kelly (Dalton) and great nephew, Ryan Kelly, both of Miles City, MT. Extended family members include the Berzel, Crane, and Knuths families, and Karen Morris.