Margie Elaine (Nelson) Ortman, 91

Margie “went home to the Lord Jesus” on Dec. 4, 2016, in Kalispell.

She was born June 27, 1925, in Portland, North Dakota, to Norval and Clara Nelson and was the second of six children.

She attended elementary school in Chester. She moved to Ferndale in 1935, where she attended school in Ferndale and Bigfork. She graduated from high school while working at Keyport Naval Station in Washington, supporting World War II.

While there, she met and married Warren Ortman on June 28, 1944, in Poulsbo, Washington.

Her married life kept her busy as a homemaker, mother and wife. Last June Warren and Margie celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.

Margie lived for the last 45 years in the Lakeside area. She was always helping in church activities wherever they attended, including Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She enjoyed gardening, flower gardens, sewing, needlework, oil painting and portraits in chalk. She especially was a friend to ladies who lived close by. In later years, she created a countless number of quilts for family and mission works around the world.

Margie was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Bernice and Evelyn; her daughter, Karen; a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter.

She is survived by her husband, Warren; daughter, Arlene; son, Marvin; sister, Echo; brothers, Edward and Leon, 12 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Margie’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service at Central Bible Church at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. The burial will be at Lone Pine Cemetery on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be given to Samaritan’s Purse or Operation Christmas Child. Please send to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC, 28607.