Margaret Ann Hilley, 91

Margaret Ann Hilley, 91, was born June 16, 1932, in Anaconda, Montana. She was raised on a cattle ranch in Geyser in the foothills of the Highwood Mountains, where she fostered an appreciation for the outdoors, adoration for animals, and developed the work ethic and toughness of a hearty ranch hand. The youngest of three, with two older brothers, she learned to be strong-willed and self-sufficient at an early age. 

She attended boarding school at the Ursuline Academy in Great Falls, and later went to the Columbus School of Nursing where she met her husband, Benjamin Ward Hilley. Ben and Margaret were married in 1954 and had four children, Therese, Bob, Tom, and Janet. While Ben attended Law School at the University of Montana in Missoula, Margaret pursued what would become a lifelong path of nurturing others, working nights as a nurse. They moved back to Great Falls where she became a full-time mother, as well as devoting her time to the community, working Red Cross Blood Drives, serving in her local junior league, and teaching science lessons to local elementary schools.  

When their four kids reached adulthood, Margaret and Ben moved to Echo Lake in the 1980's, following their offspring to the Flathead Valley. Margaret became 'Nana' as she entered her years as a grandmother-her most cherished of duties. She traveled near and far to cheer on her grandkids in all of their endeavors. A lover of athletics, she invested in Grizzly football season tickets. She braved the Montana elements for decades, from 90 degree heat waves to sub zero blizzards, outlasting even the most devoted fans. She most recently attended the 122nd Brawl of Wild, where she passionately cheered the Griz onto victory. 

Her 91 years weren't without trials and tribulations but she navigated them gracefully, leaning on her devout Irish Catholic faith. She was tough as nails but as sweet as they come. She made everyone around her feel like family-her generosity and hospitality were unmatched.  Margaret's Echo Lake home was a constant source of laughter, love, endless good food and joy.  She hosted her family and friends, offering a place of comfort along with her unconditional affection, all with a sparkle in her smiling, emerald eyes. There wasn't a woman who loved harder. 

Loved ones left behind to carry on her legacy include, children, Therese and Joe Bowen, Bob and Kellie Hilley, Tom Hilley, Janet Hilley and Olen Walch; grandchildren, Meghan and Dylan Frazer, Tyler Bowen and Annie Bader, Sarah and Ryan Yanuss, Hannah and Nick Lewis, Carly and Joe Wolstein, Jessica and Dan Mahoney, Jordan Fowler, Trey and Mercedes Hilley, and William Walch; great-grandchildren, Luke, Brennan, and Kira Frazer, Holland and Quinn Yanuss, Lincoln and Nolan Lewis, Mira Fowler and Briar Mahoney, and baby girl Wolstein due in May.

A mass to honor Margaret will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 27, at St. John Paul Catholic Church in Bigfork.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice.