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Ethel Mae Magstadt

Ethel Mae Magstadt

Jun 3, 1923 - Nov 16, 2020
Ethel M. Magstadt, 97, of Riverton passed into the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, November 16, 2020 at the Help for Health Hospice Home. A viewing will be Monday, November 23, 2020 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Riverton. Funeral services will start at 2:00 p.m. at the church with burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Ethel Mae Babcox Magstadt was born June 3, 1923 in Pretty Rock, N.D. to Dann Nelson Babcox and Milda nee Huber Babcox. She moved to Elgin with her family as a small child where she was baptized at Emanuel Lutheran Church on September 20, 1930. She was confirmed at the same church on October 30, 1938 and then taught Sunday school there.

Ethel attended 12 years of school in Elgin, graduating in 1941. She attended Dickinson State Teacher’s College for 13 months after which she taught school South of Hebron from 1942-43, and from 1943-44 taught South of Elgin.

November 7, 1943 Ethel was united in Holy Matrimony to William (Bill) Magstadt at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Elgin. They farmed South of Elgin and North of New Leipzig N.D. until Bill was drafted into the Army. When he returned from military service they, together with their first baby, Peggy Ann, moved to Hardin, Montana in February, 1947. They were active at Redeemer Lutheran Church; Ethel taught Sunday and Bible schools, sang in the choir, and was active in L.W.M.L. and L.L.L. Three more children were born to this union in Hardin; Connie, Jacque, and Terry.

In August, 1962 Ethel, Bill and their 4 children moved to Riverton, WY. where they were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church. Ethel taught Sunday school and Bible school for many years. She was active in L.W.M.L., L.L.L., A.A.L., and Good Shepherd Auxiliary. Both were great supporters of Trinity Lutheran School.

Ethel cooked for 8 years at the Riverton Jr. High School, and was active in the P.T.A. while her children were in school. She also ironed and baby sat for a number of years. She enjoyed doing fancy embroidery work and all activities at her church.

Ethel was very fond of her grand and great grandchildren, as well as all children she came to know. She also built lasting bonds with many friends she made during her lifetime.

Grateful for having shared her life are daughters Peggy Ann Dessel, Lander, WY.; Constance Kay (William) Laborte, Lahaina, Maui, HI; Jacqueline Lee Tiensvold, North Platte, NE; and son Terrance (Karen) Magstadt, Sparks, NV. Also sharing very special places in her heart are grandchildren Aaron, Daniel, Tina (great grandson Sean Thomas) and Lee Tiensvold; Marc and wife Stacy Magstadt (great grandsons Parker William and Tanner Joseph); and Macy and husband RH Campbell (great grandson Connor Declan and first great granddaughter Cora Tinley); sisters Margaret Ketterling, Bismarck, ND., Marlene (Vance) Ehrle, Englewood, CO, brother Robert (Erna) Babcox, Livingston, MT.; special cousin Norma Hettich, Selby, SD.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband Bill of 52 ½ years on May 6, 1996, her daughter Connie, her sister Margaret “Marge”, her brother Robert, her sister Marlene, and her parents Milda and Dann.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran School, or Good Shepherd Auxiliary in care of the Davis Funeral Home, 2203 W. Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501.

On-line condolences for the family may be made at theDavisFuneralHome.com. Services are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home.