Margaret Ann DeJong, 87, died at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

Margaret, or "Muggs", as many of her friends and family called her, was born on June 21, 1934, on a farm outside of James, SD, to John and Anna Wattier.  She attended grade school in Groton, SD, and when she was 12 or 13, they moved to Wilmot, SD, where she attended school through the 11 ^th grade.  Margaret was extremely proud when she earned her GED at the age of 30, while being a full-time mother to 7 children.  Margaret married Lawrence DeJong on January 6, 1951 in Milbank, SD and to that union 8 children were born.

During her life, she had a variety of jobs including homemaker, administrative assistant, sales, factory worker, pilot car driver, telemarketer, college recruiter and a Senior Companion.  Mom was always enriching her mind and learning new things. She was a young bride who really didn't really know how to do anything, but she taught herself how to cook, sew, embroider, knit and crochet and became quite accomplished at her chosen hobbies.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, helping people, reading, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and watching TV (especially Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!)

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Harold, and children Baby Boy DeJong and Leanna Bussell.  She is survived by her children Michelle (Denny) Flanery, Tim (Sue) DeJong, Dave (Linda) DeJong, Jim (Freda) DeJong, Amy (John Barley) DeJong, Dan (Lynn) DeJong, Son-In-Law Billy Bussell, 19 Grandchildren and 27 Great Grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 12, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.