Margaret Vaughn Hanson

Margaret Vaughn Hanson

Margaret Vaughn Hanson, 56, of Choteau, passed away July 4, in Seattle, Wash., after a brief illness.

Margaret was born June 9, 1956, in Havre, Mont. She was one of nine siblings born to James Eli Vaughn and Loretta Ann Pearce Vaughn.

Margaret graduated from high school in Havre in 1974. She attended cosmetology school at Montana State University-Northern in Havre for two years.

After completing her degree, she moved to Chinook, where she and her mother were co-owners of the Homestead Cafe. Later Margaret moved to Great Falls, where she cooked at the Bar-S.

On Dec. 22, 1990, Margaret wed Carl Martin Hanson in Choteau and resided at the home north of town where the family still remains.

Margaret and Carl's family grew as Shawmarie Lori Hanson was born on Dec. 15, 1991 followed by Carlene Kati Hanson, born July 3, 1993.

The family farmed and ranched until Carl's death on June 11, 2000.

Margaret was employed by Choteau Public Schools as a paraprofessional and eventually went on to become head cook of the school's lunch program. Margaret's passion was feeding and looking after the children at school. She was well known for her outstanding cinnamon rolls that were a hit with all folks regardless of age. Known for her enormous heart and giving nature, Margaret firmly believed in helping with all community events, and her home was open to anyone who showed up at her door.

Margaret's life was consumed with the love of her daughters and attending each and every one of their events as she was and always will be their biggest fan. Margaret enjoyed cooking for family and friends as well as drawing, painting and gardening. She was also an avid horse lover, and her horse, Winnie, still resides on the family farm.

She was preceded death by her husband, Carl Hanson; her parents, James and Loretta Vaughn; her brother, Roger Vaughn; and sister, Pat Moore.

Margaret is survived by her daughters, Shawmarie and Carlene Hanson of Choteau; sisters, Helen Heilig of Moore, Janice Whaley of Havre, and Karen Olson of Havre; brothers, Charles Vaughn and William Vaughn of Havre, and John Vaughn of Williston, N.D. ; parents-in-law, Jackie and John Carlson of Choteau; sisters-in-law, Dru Hanson and Jonel Hodgskiss of Choteau and Kim Anderson of Fairfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a. m. Friday, July 13, at the New Life Church in Choteau, with interment at Farmington Cemetery immediately following the service under the direction of Gorder Jensen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorials to the Hanson Family Benefit, in care of Teton Banks in Choteau.

Online condolences may be left at http://www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com.