Margaret Irene Towne

Margaret Towne was born April 22, 1933, just outside of Tensed, Idaho, to Carl and Martha Haas. She was the youngest of five, with three older brothers and one sister. Growing up, time was spent between the farm in Idaho and their place just east of Fairfield. She attended school in Fairfield and became the pitcher on the high school girls' softball team when she was only in the 8th grade. Having three athletic older brothers had made her a natural when it came to sports! The family was also very active in the local Lutheran church, where many of Margaret's cousins attended, making for large social get-togethers. After graduating from high school, Margaret attended Kinman Business School in Spokane, WA while working at the Crescent Department Store. She stayed there until her elopement with Clark Towne of Tekoa, in June of 1953. They settled north of Tekoa in the Cove district, just down the road from where Clark had been raised. Margaret enjoyed being back on a farm and was an avid gardener. Soon they were blessed with children who all attended school in Tekoa, WA but remained active with the Lutheran Church in Fairfield. Clark developed early-onset Alzheimer's in the mid-Eighties. Margaret turned over the running of the farm to their son, Gene, as by that time she wasn't only caring for her husband, but also her mother and sister who had come to live with them. After their passing in the Nineties, Margaret started going on the "Farm Tours", which were geared towards retired farmers who wanted to travel the Northwest. She thoroughly enjoyed them as she never really had the opportunity to travel. Margaret is survived by her children: Carol McNally, Diane Johnson, Julie Spessard (Terry), and Gene Towne (Mary). She is also survived by six grandchildren: Judy Ediger (Brad), Lisa McNally (Ryan Reed), Ryan McNally, David McNally (Brittany), Jeff McNally (Kali), and Jennifer Spessard-Christenson (Michael). And last but certainly not least, ten great-grandchildren: Jacob Ediger, Allison Ediger, Finn McNally, Willow McNally, Autumn McNally, Alder McNally, Mackenzie McNally, Maddie McNally, Emersyn McNally, and Bodhi Christenson. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Paul Haas, Gerald Haas, and Alvin Haas; and her sister, Bertha Haas. A Graveside service at Rosewood Cemetery was held on March 29, 2025.

Margaret Irene Towne

April 22, 1933 - March 25, 2025