Margaret passed away peacefully from natural causes in Port Lavaca, Texas, at the age of 98. She was born September 14, 1911, to William and Mary Dale in Bassett, Nebraska. Her parents died when she was very young. The older siblings raised the younger children and the family remained together. The family of 12 and their grandmother moved to Tripp County, South Dakota, in 1919.


She attended grade and high school in Tripp County, later moving to Tuthill, South Dakota. It was there that she met her husband Jack and they were married May 18, 1929, and then lived on the Little White River in Mellette County.


Two sons and a daughter were born to this union. In 1949 the family moved to Hot Springs, South Dakota. Margaret worked at the Lutheran Hospital, volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce, Fall River County Historical Museum, delivered meals on wheels, was active at the Senior Citizens and enjoyed playing cards and dancing.


She is preceded in death by her husband Jack, her five brothers, Charlie, Bill, John, Claude and Walt Dale and her six sisters, Anna Good, Jeanette O'Bryan, Marjorie Greenough, Ethel Dale, Dorothy Martin and Mabel Gerleman. Her nephew, Leo Michael Skinner, whom she raised as her son from 6 months old, preceded her in 2007.


She leaves with cherished memories for her children, son Larry and his wife Darlene of Port Lavaca, Texas, son Jim and his wife Joyce of Rapid City, South Dakota and daughter Pat and her husband Chuck Woods of New Braunfels, Texas. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.


Memorial services will be held at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs, South Dakota, on October 2, 2009, at 11:00 am, officiated by Reverend Peter Dahlberg. A private burial will be in White River, South Dakota.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.