Margaret Ferguson

MARGARET ELIZABETH (GALBRAITH) FERGUSON, 64, of Great Falls died from thyroid cancer in her home on July 24, 2011. She will be remembered fondly by the many people whose lives she touched. She was known and loved for her warm personality, her passion for life, and her special connection with family and friends.

Margaret was born in Raymond, Alberta on March 29, 1947 to Bruce Van Galbraith and Beth (Heninger) Galbraith. She was raised in a large family, the 5th of 10 children: David, Lynne, John, Paul, Margaret, Evelyn, Melanie, Drew, Dana, and Mary. Growing up, she learned to work and play hard, and she developed faith in her savior, Jesus Christ.

On December 28, 1972, she married Cameron George Ferguson of Little Silver, New Jersey in the LDS Alberta, Canada temple. After living a few years in Manhattan, New York, they settled in Great Falls Montana. Together, they raised a family with five children: Rogan, Kendal, Megan, Sally, and David-none of whom ever once doubted their mother's love.

During most of her time in Great Falls, Margaret attended the First Ward of the Great Falls East Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served enthusiastically in numerous callings, at various times working with just about every group in the ward, from the youngest primary children to her fellow sisters in the Relief Society. But perhaps her most influential callings involved service to the ward's youth. More than just a leader, she was a role model for many of the young women and men, who were attracted to her magnetic personality and inspired by her adventurous spirit.

Margaret loved the beauty of God's creation. She particularly loved Waterton National Park, Glacier National Park, and all of the red rock in southern Utah. She hiked and biked the trails and kayaked across the water, all the while brightening her surroundings with her energy and her laughter.

Margaret will always be remembered for her fun personality and outgoing spirit. She loved to be with people, whether playing with them in a game of cards or just sharing popcorn while watching a movie. And her sense of humor never failed to entertain those who surrounded her. Above all else, Margaret was someone who people loved and trusted.

She is survived by her husband, five of her children, eight of her siblings, and two daughters-in-law: Susan Ferguson (Rogan) and Everilda Ferguson (Kendal). She also leaves behind three grandchildren who adore her: Asa Ferguson (12), Owen Ferguson (10), and Julianne Ferguson (5). In death, she is re-united with her parents, her brother Paul, her sister Mary, and her third child, Cameron Taylor, who died just after birth. She will be missed deeply.

A Memorial Service will be held in her honor at the Great Falls First Ward LDS Church building at 4601 3rd Ave South, Great Falls on Wednesday, July 27th at 11:00 a.m. She will be buried in a prior, separate service in her hometown of Raymond, Alberta, Canada.