Margaret Ann Nolan
Margaret Ann Simpson Nolan passed away peacefully at 3pm on May 16, 2011 in the loving care of Aspen Meadows Retirement Home surrounded by her husband, sister, brother-in-law and nephew.
Margaret Ann was born September 22, 1924 in Miles City, Montana to Anna and Milton Simpson. Her sister Barbara was born in 1927 and they grew up on the family ranch at Volberg, but lived in Miles City during the school year. She attended grade school and high school in Miles City and enrolled in the School of Architecture at Montana State College in Bozeman, Montana in September 1943.
That same month, she met Barry Nolan, her future husband, at the movies. After a stormy courtship, they were married December 22, 1947. At Montana State, Margaret Ann joined the AOPI Sorority and was active in student affairs, but left college before completing her degree. She and Barry honeymooned at the Nolan Ranch in the Little Belt Mountains and later moved to Billings, where he worked for Carter Oil.
Margaret Ann was involved in drafting plans for the Yellowtail Dam as a cartographic draftsman for the Bureau of Reclamation and worked for several years as a cartographer for an oil executive. In 1951, she retired from the business world and became a wonderful homemaker. She was active in the women's group at Yellowstone Country Club where Barry was a charter member. She was a member of the Junior Women's Club, the Family Service Board of Directors and was active in other volunteer organizations.
In 1960, she and Barry and her sister and her family purchased a cabin south of Red Lodge on Lake Fork where the two families shared many joyful times together and with friends.
Also in 1960, Margaret Ann and Barry adopted a two month-old baby – their beloved son, Gregg. She was a dedicated mother and participated in Boy Scouts, Little League, PTA and other parent groups.
The family moved to Houston, Texas in 1961 for work, but returned to Billings in 1962. They joined the Hiland's Club in 1966. She was an avid and excellent bridge player who loved to spend many hours with friends playing cards. She was also accomplished at needlepoint and made Christmas stockings for her extended family in addition to many decorative pieces for her home. In 1974, Barry was transferred to Baytown, Texas where Margaret Ann made many friends. She loved the years she spent in Texas until Barry retired in 1981 and they returned to Billings.
Margaret Ann loved to travel and she and Barry shared cruises to the Caribbean, Montreal and through Europe. She also visited Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand.
She is survived by her husband Barry, son Gregg and grandson Jackson; sister Barbara and her husband, Herman "Shorty" Huisenga; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 5-8pm Thursday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, May 20 at American Lutheran Church with reception to follow. Donations may be made in her name to the Shrine Hospital Association, the American Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.
Remembrances
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