Margaret Ann Kenaston

Margaret Ann Kenaston

Margaret Ann Kenaston passed away peacefully on Dec. 10, 2021, at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings. She was 83 years old.

On Feb. 17, 1938, Margaret and her twin sister, Marjorie, were born to Andrew and Irene (Klungness) Oen in Minot, North Dakota. Margaret grew up in North Dakota, where she attended and graduated high school and ultimately met her husband, Robert “Bob” Kenaston.

Bob and Margaret got married on Dec. 31, 1957, and, from then on, their life was one big adventure followed by another as they traveled all over North Dakota and Montana while Bob chased his career as a heavy equipment operator and Margaret established herself as the caretaker of the home. In 1963, they welcomed Duane, their oldest son, to the world, followed by their daughter, Lori, in 1964 and, in 1970, they welcomed their youngest son, Dennis.

No matter where they lived, Margaret made sure that the kids were always taken care of while making friends with those around her. Many of those friends turned into family, a common theme throughout Margaret’s life. In the early 1980s, the family relocated to Billings, where Bob and Margaret both lived the remainder of their lives. Margaret, once again opening her heart (and this time her home), began caring for those in need. She would care for the elderly, those with additional needs, and anyone who just needed a place to be cared for — her home was open to anyone and you could always count on a special treat, great laughs and a warm hug.

As her kids grew older, Margaret transitioned from “mom” to “grandma” and most recently, to “GG.” Margaret began working at Lockwood Schools in the early 2000s as a crosswalk guard and as an aide in the lunchroom. She stated it was to keep herself busy; however, it was likely because she wanted to see grandkids more often.

Margaret’s grandkids and great-grandkids have many stories about her. Whether it was a time that she did something silly (which was usually scaring them by popping her dentures out unexpectedly) or never missing a life event (she never missed sending a birthday card), the stories about Margaret will live on forever. One of the greatest traditions that will be missed were the famous Christmas Eve celebrations at her house — where you could count on her great belly laughs, incredible fudge and the most thoughtful gifts.

Margaret loved being surrounded by those she loved. She was so proud of having the opportunity to watch her son and grandsons race, even if that meant she was on the edge of her seat the whole time. Margaret also loved snagging a great deal at a garage sale, making incredible amounts of lefse, or convincing her family to come over right as she made lutefisk (just to see them run right back outside because of the smell). No matter what, Margaret loved with her whole heart and you knew you could always count on her for anything.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Irene and Andrew Oen; her sister, Marjorie; and her husband, Bob. She is survived by her siblings Doris “Dodie,” Art (Shirley) and Einar (Rose); children: son Duane, daughter Lori (Sam), son Dennis, and bonus son Jay (Jami); her grandchildren: Amanda, Christine (Nathan), TJ, Brian, Emily (Levi), Becca, Ryan, Devin (Brooke), Juliann, Mitchell, Nathan, and Megan; her great-grandchildren: Birkleigh, Brexton, Malaki, Teagan, Abigail, Charlotte, Caroline, and Elijah; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

To our mom, grandma, GG, and “Marger” – we love you so much and can’t wait to see you again. We know that you are our guardian angel and are reunited with Bob and Jared.