Margaret E. Burditt

Margaret E. Burditt passed away October 19, 2021, at the home of her sister-in-law Bev Solum. She was cared for in her final days by Bev and her daughters Lois, Shirley, Patty, as well as her own daughter Bette Jeanne.

Margaret "Muggs" was born to Otto Solum and Nellie Nurse in Missoula, Montana on November 16, 1923; and baptized at First Baptist Church. Muggs attended Franklin Grade School and graduated from Missoula County High School.

Muggs met Roy E. Burditt in 1940; they were married June 5, 1941. After Roy enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942, Muggs joined the war effort and became a United States Navy Wave. Muggs took her basic training at Hunter College, New York and then assigned to Norfolk, Virginia for the duration of WWII. Muggs, like Roy, received an Honorable Discharge. They were proud veterans. In 2013, Margaret was able to make an Honor Flight to Washington DC accompanied by her daughter Bette Jeanne.

Muggs enjoyed physical activity from flower gardening to swimming and hunting and fishing with Roy, who said she was his safest partner. Her true passion was volleyball! Starting in 1954, Muggs played Tuesday nite games at Franklin School gym up until she turned 80 years old! The only times she missed she was either out-of-state or (rarely) in the hospital. Her team friends Sharon Fox, Sandy Fuchs and Claudia Pratt survive her. She was also an enthusiastic Lady Griz fan.

Margaret was equally intense about her politics; served several years as precinct committee woman, and member of Missoula County and Montana State Democratic Women's Clubs. The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois included Margaret as an alternate delegate, committed to Hubert Humphrey. Thru many years Margaret served as an election judge and was closely aligned with her good friend Donna Shaffer in their political activities.

As Roy's participation in the State Firemen's Association grew, Muggs attended numerous state conventions with him. Over those years, she became even closer to other firemen's wives Sharon Kyle, Mary Ellen Sampson, Marge Stevens, Gloria Flies and others.

After the children were in school, Margaret began a 15-year career with the Department of Revenue. Margaret had honed her clerking/accounting skills over the years at her folk's corner grocery store and part-time work at F.W. Woolworth's.

Never idle, Margaret joined the Sons of Norway, the Women of the Moose, and continued traveling specially to see her son Bill and his family during his Navy career. Trips were taken to Deer Lodge, Butte, and Lewiston, Idaho to be with her daughters and their families; her brothers, nieces, and nephews east to west coast all found her on their doorstep.

Margaret found joy in attending family reunions in Thompson Falls, Stevensville, Lolo Hot Springs, Bigfork and a National WWII Navy Wave Reunion.

Retirement found Margaret on a Caribbean cruise with Roy, then a trip to Norway later to see cousins. They cruised to Alaska and around the Hawaiian Islands too.

Ever the social butterfly, Margaret delighted in attending dances at the Fireman's Ball, the Policeman's Ball, the Inaugural Ball for Governor Tom Judge and later Governor Ted Schwinden. Weddings, anniversaries, and retirement parties more occasions Margaret and Roy would be dancing. Their smiles are some of our favorite memories.

Margaret taught us much but most of all, to respect the flag, exercise our right to vote, and "follow the rules" at church, at school, and in the community.

Margaret was predeceased by her parents; her husband Roy of 61-years; son William (Bill) Burditt, daughter-in-law Sherryl Burditt; son-in-law David Donahue; and brothers Donald, Ralph, Ernie, Floyd "Beanie", and Les Solum. Grandsons Niles Brush (Michelle), Chris Anderson, granddaughter Denise Donahue, and great-grandson Jacob Burditt.

Margaret is survived by daughters Bette Jeanne (Ray) Brush, Barbara Jo (Ron) Householder, Bonnie Donahue; and brother Alan (Geri) Solum. Grandchildren Edward Brush, Richard Burditt, Matthew Burditt, Alesha Lokeh (Burditt), Candice Anderson, Shauna DesJardins, Daren Donahue, Cameron Donahue, several great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives.

Memorials can be made to the donor's choice of charities.

Viewing will be Monday, October 25, 2021, at Garden City Funeral Home from 9-10 a.m.

A graveside service with military rites will be Monday, October 25, 2021, at Missoula City Cemetery at 11 a.m. with Reverend Bill Barksdale officiating.

Due to Covid concerns, a casual gathering for remembrance will occur in the distant future.