Peggy Carter, 85, of Chester, died peacefully in her sleep while attending her grandson’s wedding in Bozeman. Despite recent health struggles, Peggy found the strength and courage to do the things she loved most: spend time with her family, eat anything sweet, and put puzzles together with friends. Born Margaret Ann Hanson to parents Jens Hanson and Janet McRae in Miles City, Peggy was the youngest of four children.
She graduated from Custer County High School in 1951 and worked as a telephone operator before marrying James (Jim) Carter at the First Presbyterian Church of Miles City on September 20, 1952. They lived and worked on Jim’s cousin’s farm near Olive, MT after they were married. On September 30, 1954, Jim and Peggy welcomed their first child, Lori Lee Carter.
The Carter’s moved to Sidney in 1955 where Jim worked at T&E Equipment and Peggy was a stay at home mom. In 1960, Jim’s boss moved to Chester to run R&M Equipment and Jim was asked to come along, so the Carter’s packed Lori and belongings and moved to Chester. They later became part owners of what became known as Marias Equipment.
On August 1, 1963, Jim and Peggy welcomed their second child, Joy Ann Carter. In 1968, Peggy went to work as a bank teller at the Bank of Montana shortly after Joy started grade school. She worked at the bank until her retirement in 1991.
In 1988, Marias Equipment closed and Jim started Marias Repair where Peggy was the bookkeeper. They both official retired in 1993. In her early years, Peggy loved dancing, bowling, and playing cards.
After her grandchildren arrived Peggy loved visiting them and traveling to each of their events. One vice that endeared her to both her grandchildren and great grandchildren was sweets. Candy, ice cream, root beer floats, Grandma’s freezer was never without a Schwann’s push pop and her candy drawer was rarely empty.
She was truly a sweet lady. As the grandchildren grew into adults, Peggy moved on to quilting and taking care of her flowers and garden where she canned anything she could cram into a jar. She also loved watching and learning about the many birds that visited her yard.
Faith was important to Peggy. As a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, she participated in bible studies, taught Sunday school, helped within the church and kitchen, and looked forward to evening circle time with the ladies once a month. After moving into the Sweet Grass Lodge in 2013, Peggy tried to stay as active as her mobility would allow.
She was an avid puzzler and would often only take a break to watch reruns of Cash Cab on the Game Show Network. She enjoyed going out to dinner with friends as well. Peggy is preceded in death by her husband; Jim, her parents; Jens and Janet Hanson, her three siblings; Floyd (Maxine) Hanson, Lilly VanZant, and Thomas (Iris) Hanson, and her nephew; Steven VanZant.
Mother in Law: Magdaline Carter; Sisters and brothers in law: Lavawn (Martin) Guerechit, Lucille (Oris) Warford, Laurain (Joe) Powell Peggy is survived by her two daughters, Lori (Glenn) Wolfe and Joy (Tom) DePuydt; six grandchildren, Jeff (Deana) Wolfe, Doug (Julie) Wolfe, Matt (Sarah) Wolfe, Haley (Patrick) Menge, Brianne Wolfe and Kurt DePuydt; six great grandchildren, Gwen and Josie (Jeff) Wolfe, Annabelle and Linley (Doug) Wolfe, and Luke and Andrew (Haley) Menge; as well as, many loved nieces and nephews. Funeral Service for Peggy will be celebrated on Friday, October 26th, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church with Pastor John Fauerbach presiding. Burial will follow at the Chester Cemetery.
Following the service, there will be a celebration of Peggy’s well-lived life at the church fellowship hall. Arrangements were handled by Asper Funeral Homes in Shelby. In memory of Peggy, the family welcomes donations to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Sweet Grass Lodge, or donor’s choice.
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