Margaret Wallace Johnson, age 82, of Bozeman

Margaret Wallace (Van Ommen) Johnson
May 26, 1942 – December 6, 2024

Margaret Wallace (Van Ommen) Johnson, affectionately known as Marga, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 6, 2024, after a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s. She spent her final years in Bozeman, Montana at her son’s house, just a mile from her daughter. She was surrounded by the joyful chaos of her son Gerrit and daughter Lisa’s busy families. Marga lived a vibrant, full life marked by kindness, humor, and an unwavering dedication to her family and beloved community.

Born on May 26, 1942, in Helena, Montana, to Robert and Thelma Johnson, Marga was the youngest of two children, sharing a lifelong bond with her older brother, Marshall. She grew up with a deep love for horses, animals of all kinds, and an unmatched fondness for ketchup and chocolate—traits her family and friends will always remember. White Sulphur Springs, both the town and its incredible people, held a special place in her heart throughout her life.

Marga pursued her education at the University of Montana in Missoula and Stephens College in Missouri before returning home to assist her father at the family’s bank. Over 32 years, she played a vital role in managing the bank, the Van Oil Company gas station, and later, the family-owned convenience store and laundromat.

Fate and a drag-racing adventure led Marga to her first love, Gerrit “Van” Van Ommen. Their marriage was filled with laughter, joy, and shared adventures. Together, they built a wonderful life in White Sulphur Springs, where Marga worked tirelessly at the bank while Van ran the service station. Snowmobiling, hunting, and lively gatherings with friends and neighbors were central to their lives. Marga lovingly nicknamed Van Charlie Brown to her Lucy; ever steady and dependable, he never played along with the joke. The couple tried really hard to raise two children, Gerrit and Lisa, but only had middling success because of what God gave them to work with. They made countless cherished memories until Van’s passing from cancer in 1991.

Years later, Marga found love once again with Reidar Johnson. Outgoing and quick-witted, Reidar was the perfect complement to Marga’s fiery spirit. Together, they traveled the world, created countless memories, and built a lasting legacy, including the beloved Red Barn behind Marga’s cherished Big House. Reidar and Marga shared over 25 years of love, laughter, and adventure before Reidar’s passing.

Marga’s love for White Sulphur Springs knew no bounds. She served on seemingly every board and committee in town, pouring her time, energy, and determination into her community. Short in stature but long on grit, Marga’s spirited involvement and enduring optimism touched the lives of countless friends and neighbors. Her family fondly remembers her pearls of wisdom, including “If you have earrings on, you’re fully dressed,” “It’s a sin to sleep past eight,” and the ever-resilient “‘Can’t’ never ‘did’ anything.”

Marga leaves behind a legacy of love and strength through her children, Gerrit (Tracie) Van Ommen and Lisa (Brian) Adkins; grandchildren Sam (Michaela), Dutch, Charlie, Caleb, Luke (Sarah), Ben, Matt, and Sophia; and great-grandchildren Aubree, Sterling, and Oliver. She is also survived by her stepchildren Jamie, Jeff, and John, as well as a restless cat, Tuxedo, who continues to look for her.

A celebration of Marga’s life will be held on January 11, 2025, 11am at the Catholic Church, followed by a graveside burial and party at the Montana Roadhouse in White Sulphur Springs. True to Marga’s spirit, there will likely be ketchup, chocolate, and a toast with vodka tonics in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local Senior Center, an organization close to her heart.

Marga’s warmth, resilience, and enduring love will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the entire White Sulphur Springs community. Her legacy of kindness, determination, and humor will live on in the countless lives she touched. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Service Schedule

Funeral Mass

11:00 am

Saturday January 11, 2025

St Bartholomew's Catholic Church

407 2nd Ave.

White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645

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Interment

Following the Funeral Mass

Saturday January 11, 2025

Mayn Cemetery

4108 US-12

White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645

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Reception

Following the Graveside Service

Saturday January 11, 2025

Montana Roadhouse

904 3rd Ave SW

White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645

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