Margaret Alice Shirts, 98
Margaret Alice Shirts, 98, of Salem, Oregon, formerly Kalispell, passed away peacefully on the evening of Nov. 15, 2016, at Salem Hospital in the companionship of her daughter and granddaughter. Her family and close friends encompassed her with their love and support in her final days. With unwavering faith in her Lord, she looked forward to flying with the angels in heaven.
Margaret was born on March 20, 1918, in Heaton, North Dakota, to Frederick and Ivy (Abbott) Thurston. She lived with her family on a farm, and fondly told stories of her adventures with her brothers and love for the piano. She continued to play and teach piano for many years.
After attending a teaching college, Margaret married Lowell Alvin Philip Shirts in 1940. Being an adventurous woman, Margaret joined Lowell in Tannacross, Alaska, where he worked for Pan American Airways. Living in the middle of nowhere, they enjoyed each other’s kind heart and sense of wit, adventures together and dog sledding.
Together they had two children, Edwin Leroy (1942) and Carolyn Ann (1944). The family settled in Martin City during the building of the Hungry Horse Dam, where Margaret began teaching first grade and Lowell opened Glacier Radio. Her daughter Carolyn was one of her students, who fondly remembers her mother’s class. She continued her love of teaching upon their move to Evergreen where she helped Lowell move his business. As a family they enjoyed hiking through Glacier National Park, driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and playing music.
In 1969, they closed down the shop in Evergreen and moved into town (Kalispell), where Lowell passed away from cancer in 1982. In 1990, Margaret moved to Salem to be closer to her family. Her granddaughters cherished the many sleepovers and playing duets together. In 2003, she moved in with her daughter’s family where she loved eating Indian food and playing with her great-grandchildren. She remained there until her death.
Margaret had a zest for life and a deep devotion to her family, friends and God. She served as a deacon, elder and Sunday school teacher over her many years in church. Her kindness was beyond compare and her wit came at just the right moments. She was truly loved and will continue to be cherished.
She is survived by her younger brother, Donn; daughter, Carolyn, and husband Mahendra; and son, Ed, and wife Madeline; grandchildren, Deva, Urmila, Cathe, Doug and Sandy; and six great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3737 Liberty Road South in Salem.
In place of flowers, please make a donation to Marion Polk Food Share. Assisting is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service in Salem.