Margaret Louise Noonkester
Our highly treasured Wife, Mother and Grandmother Margaret Louise Noonkester passed away on December 3, 2019. Our sadness is softened by knowing she is finally holding her baby boy, hugging her son and grandsons but most importantly being in the presence of her Lord.
Elmer and Valley Reed welcomed Margaret on December 10, 1931 in Pawnee, OK, joining brothers Leroy, Paul, Wiley, Danny and sisters Violet, Loretta, Josie, Maxine and Judy.
The family moved to California where Margaret met the man who would steal her heart for the remainder of her life.
Everett Noonkester fell in love with Margaret at first sight when he spied her across a bonfire held in a eucalyptus grove during a Caruthers, CA weanie roast. Since their romance was during war time, Margaret and Everett decided to marry and drove to Carson City, Nevada where they woke up the judge to perform their wedding ceremony. The grand adventure began! Everett shipped out to Korea and Margaret filled her days with beauty school and taking care of Everett’s younger siblings. When Everett returned from serving his country he was reunited with his beloved wife and a one and a half year old son, Everett Paul Noonkester (Bub). The family grew to include sons Grant and Lester. Margaret and Everett founded their home in deep faith, love and music. Their faith is what saw them through the loss of their 16 month old son Lester and 24 year old son Bub. The family continued with adventures in Wyoming, California, Alaska and finally Montana where she called home for the last 29 years.
With the heartbreaks of life that would crush most of us, Margaret was made stronger. Her rock solid faith knowing that God’s Grace was sufficient for her, lent her a gentle, loving and kind sprit that would speak to the hardest of hearts. Should you pick a mother or grandmother for yourself it would be her. Oh, how we miss her cooking, spontaneous trips, her tender care and the beautiful art she loved to create. Mostly, it will be the quiet conversations about the goodness of God that fed our souls each time we saw her.
Margaret is survived by her husband of 69 years, Everett, son Grant (Berease). Grandchildren, Heidi Gerleman (Shane), Alan Noonkester (Ingrid), Amy Noonkester, Faith Lutrell (Terry), Colter Noonkester (Nadezda), Tucker Noonkester (Katie), Travis Noonkester ( Jen), Mikhael Selle (Nick), Rachel and Haili Noonkester. 24 Great Grandchildren and 2 (plus 1 on the way) Great-Great Grandchildren and Laurie Noonkester.
Those waiting to welcome Margaret were her parents Valley and Elmer Reed, siblings Leroy, Paul, Loretta, Maxine and Judy. Sons Everett (Bub) and Lester, Grandsons Chad and Grant Jr.
Margaret’s life will be celebrated Monday, December 9, 2019 at the Smith Funeral Home located at 925 South 27thStreet at 1:00 p.m. and will be laid to rest at the Laurel Veteran’s Cemetery.
The family sends a heartfelt thank you for the wonderful care received from the staff at Roundup Memorial Nursing Home and a special thank you to Judy, Toni and Jessica for the extra love given to Margaret.
In honor of Margaret please share a kind word and smile with someone and spoil your grandchildren a little extra.
