Margaret J. Durham

On December 10, 2016 with her daughter at her side, Margaret J. (Johnson) Durham was called home to the Lord. She was born February 10, 1921 in Fargo, ND to Olaf and Kasbara (Hendrickson) Johnson. She graduated from Fargo High School and attended a two year business college in Fargo. She met the love of her life, CK “Bull” Durham at a caramel corn shop in Fargo while attending business college. They were married in Kanas City, MO on April 18, 1943. While “Bull” was in the Army they lived in Birmingham, Alabama. After the war they returned to Fargo for a short time and their daughter Lana was born in 1945. “Bull” moved the family to North Platte, NE and Margaret began working for Union Pacific Railroad in 1950. The family moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa and Margaret continued to work for Union Pacific Railroad until her retirement in 1983. Margaret was an avid gardener in her early years.

Following “Bull’s” death in 1996, Margaret moved to Lewistown to be with her daughter, Lana and son-in-law, Bob Papp. She was re-united with her sister Eunie (Paul) Nelson and they enjoyed many years together, playing cards, dominos, and volunteering at Zion Lutheran Church. She was very active in her church, serving on the Altar Guild, Caring Ministry, quilting, all women’s activities and served as church historian.    

Margaret was an avid reader, loved doing cross-word puzzles, and liked to watch old westerns on TV. She enjoyed shopping with her daughter and their friend, Foss Wilson. She supported many organizations in Lewistown and was especially fond of any activity that benefited children.

Margaret took care of her mother prior to her death, her sister-in-law, Mabel Durham, and her beloved husband, “Bull”.

She is survived by her daughter, Lana and son-in-law Bob Papp; niece, Christy Dennehy of Poulbsbo, WA; nephews Steve (Colleen) Nelson of Great Falls, MT, and Dan (Mili) Nelson of Kirkland, WA.; and many good friends.

Margaret was preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband, and her sister, Eunie Nelson.

Memorial Services for Margaret J. Durham will be Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in the Zion Lutheran Church, cremation has taken place. The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church, Hospice of Central Montana, Veterans Memorial, or the charity of your choice and they may be left at the Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com