Margret K. Persha, 90, passed away Dec. 9, 2008, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She was born Feb. 24, 1918, in Kansas City, Mo. She was the daughter of Frank and Emma Walsh.

She attended schools through the 12th grade in Kansas City and subsequently attended and graduated in 1939 from St. Mary of the Woods in Terre Haute, Ind., with a degree in art and an emphasis in fashion design.

She joined her parents, who had moved to Shelby after her graduation. It was there that she met and married her husband, Joseph S. Persha, a teacher, on Aug. 26, 1940. They were the parents of three children, James S. Persha, Brian J. Persha and Jan T. Persha.

During their married life, they lived in Glendive, Shelby, Great Falls and Lakeside.

Margret was actively involved in PTA, church groups, and volunteering as a "Pink Lady" at the Columbus hospital. She was a founding member of the group that established a fundraising antique show and sale for Holy Family Catholic Church in Great Falls, which continues to this day.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Emma; a brother, Jim Walsh; and her husband, Joseph.

She is survived by her three children, Jim and his wife, Ellen, Brian, and Jan and her husband, Eric Jurgensen; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Kalispell. Burial will be afterward at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell.

Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home of Polson. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.