Margaret R. Monk

MISSOULA – She was born Margaret Elizabeth Rich on Oct. 3, 1920, in Columbus. She passed away Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013 in Missoula. Her parents owned a cattle ranch at Dean, where she, her sisters and brother shared the duties that came with ranch life. It was there that Margaret learned about hard work and commitment. These values contributed to a work ethic that she carried on through her life.

Margaret began her education at the county school in Dean. The family later bought a home in Columbus so the children could attend high school five days a week. Later, she would live with an aunt in Bozeman where she completed high school. Margaret was eager to begin her nursing career and started training in 1939 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings. She was a very good student and received a scholarship for postgraduate training at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Md. There, she specialized as a surgical nurse and learned a great deal through work experience in the field.

After the completion of her training, Margaret returned to Columbus to take care of her younger sister following the sudden death of her mother. The sisters lived in Margaret's apartment in Billings and she worked at St. Vincent's as the supervising nurse of surgical operating rooms. In addition to her long hours at the hospital, Margaret performed many of the essential duties at her family's ranch. It was right where she had spent so many of her early years that she met the man she was going to marry. Art Monk was working as a hired hand on the Rich Ranch in Dean. He and Margaret took to each other immediately.

Shortly after the two were wed, Art was called to serve his country as a Merchant Marine. He returned home safely and the Monks started their family. Art and Margaret had five children, four girls and one boy (including one set of twins). They lived in a one room log cabin near Dean for about five years. The family moved to Livingston where she worked as the supervisor of surgery. Being the local medical professional in a small town, she also made the rounds to her neighbors' homes when they were ailing and needed her expertise.

In 1958, the Monks moved west to Missoula. Following the move, Margaret went to work in the operating room at St. Patrick Hospital and taught clinical courses to nursing students. Margaret was a dedicated and inspirational professional who served as a role model to many nurses (including her daughter, Donna) who followed in her footsteps. Later, she was employed at the Western Montana Clinic and was the Supervisor of Nursing until her retirement in 1985. Margaret also dedicated her time and knowledge by assisting with a cancer recovery group.

Being an accomplished RN, Margaret emphasized to her children the importance of pursuing an education. She was also a fine seamstress, gardener, woodworker, and ceramist. She crocheted many quilts, doilies, made clothes, and taught all of her daughters to sew, knit and crochet. Following retirement, Margaret also enjoyed kicking up her heels and learned to square dance.

Family was of the utmost importance to Margaret. She taught her children the importance of spending time together and having fun while doing it. The Monks had many great outdoor adventures on road trips to places like Canada and Yellowstone. She cherished her family and was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Not only was she a great family woman, but a great friend as well.

Margaret was preceded in death by daughters Anita and Sandra. She is survived by twin daughters; one son; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. At her request, there will be no funeral. She wished to thank the staff at the Springs for their kindness and care. The family suggest that memorials be made to Partners in Home Care Hospice.

Read Margaret Monk's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.