Margaret Alice Thomas

Margaret Alice Thomas was born on Jan. 16, 1921, the first of five children (the only girl) to John and Alice O’Toole in Big Timber.

Margaret lived at the O’Brien settlement and attended the Cavil Country School, taught by her aunt, until the family moved to Ryegate when she was in third grade. Margaret attended Ryegate School from third grade through high school. In high school, Margaret was on the track and girls basketball team. She was also active in the 4-H Club, where she was a delegate representing Golden Valley County to the 4-H Congress in Chicago, along with 40 other Montana girls. It was quite an experience for a 17-year-old girl from a small town.

After high school, Margaret attended and graduated from St. Vincent School of Nursing, graduating in 1943 as an RN. Margaret enjoyed her years of nursing at St. Vincent Hospital and St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica (the hospital choice of celebrities at the time). It was an interesting experience. Margaret also worked as an RN at Valley Nursing Home in Billings for 16 years.

Margaret married John Thaddeous Thomas at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Ryegate on June 19, 1948. Margaret and John had three children: sons John and Brian and daughter Colleen.

Margaret was a charter member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and a former member of St. Anthony’s Circle. Margaret also volunteered at St. Vincent Hospital for 25 years.

Margaret passed away on Sept. 17, 2023, at St. John’s Lutheran Ministries. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents, John and Alice O’Toole; brothers Bill O’Toole, Jack O’Toole, Tom O’Toole and Edward O’Toole; sisters-in-law Winnie O’Toole and Barbara O’Toole; and grandson Joel Thomas.

Margaret is survived by her children, John (Joanne) of Great Falls, Colleen (Ron) Jones of Salt Lake City and Brian of Billings; sister-in-law Betty O’Toole; grandson Michael (Amy) Thomas of Idaho Falls, Idaho; granddaughter Sara (Tomas) Jones Angel of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and great-grandchildren Claire Thomas, Courtney and Lori  Jones; as well as 15 nieces and nephews.

Memorial mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 717 18th St. West. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.