Margaret Zelinda Songer, 97, formerly of Judith Gap passed away peacefully in Billings, Montana, surrounded by her family, on January 25, 2025.

Zelinda or “Linna”, was born in Lewistown, Montana on May 14th, 1927 to John and Margaret Peck of Garneill, Montana - the sixth of seven children. She grew up in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains on the Meadow Creek Ranch and attended Manley Grade School. She then traveled by train each week to attend high school in Lewistown, staying with the Gregory family during the week. She graduated from Fergus High School in 1945.

She married Alvin E. Songer on May 14th, 1947 (their shared birthday!) at the Peck Ranch and together they purchased and ran a service station and hardware store in Judith Gap, for nearly 40 years. They raised four daughters and one son, who all worked alongside their parents running the family business. Mom was an avid baker and seamstress. She loved gardening and was well known for her cake decorating and crafting skills, winning many ribbons at the Lewistown Fair. She was involved in Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Judith Gap Garden Club. 

Zelinda is survived by children Marge(Fen) Wilkinson, Nancy(Norm) Klein, Janette Mayfield(Mike Mead), Patricia(Allen) Cunnington, and Paul(Donna) Songer, sister-in-law Julie Peck, and brother-in-law Ed(Darlene) Songer. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren, numerous great and great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by husband Alvin, parents John and Margaret, six siblings Addison, Walter “Bee”, Bill, Jean, Helen, and Harry. Also preceding her in death are granddaughter Angel Christina Klein and son-in-law Jerry Mayfield. 

Services will be held on Thursday January 30, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Judith Gap Community Church with a graveside service following at the Judith Gap Cemetery. A luncheon will take place at the church.

We would like to thank West Park Village and Intermountain Health (St. V’s), of Billings, Montana, for the wonderful care she received.