Margaret (Maggie) Bernice Nye Baertsch passed away on October 31, 2025 at her home in the Helena valley. She was born on February 11, 1945 to Bernice and Howard Nye in Missoula, MT. Margaret and her siblings grew up on the family sheep ranches in various locations in Montana, including the Hot Springs and Joliet areas.

After high school, Margaret moved to Seattle where she attended beauty school and became a licensed cosmetologist. During her time in Seattle, her daughter Susan Theresa was born.

Maggie, and her daughter Susan, moved back to Montana to be closer to family. They resided in Boulder, MT from 1967 to 1980, where Maggie was well known as a hair stylist. Maggie later was employed by the State of Montana for many years in several departments, including the Livestock Department, the Department of Social and Rehabilitation services and the Department of Public Health and Human Services Child Support Enforcement Division.

Maggie married the love of her life, Skeeter Baertsch, on August 23, 1980. Their blended family included Maggie's daughter, Susan Resch, and Skeeter's three children, sons Steve and Stacey, and daughter Susan J.

Maggie and Skeeter, along with their children, enjoyed many years of successful raising and training Quarter horses for the track. The walls of their home, and several albums, were filled with win photos of their horses from racetracks all over the northwest and Canada.

They spent most of their time with family, friends, the many horses, lots of hounds, and several special companion dogs, including Maggie's newest Beagle, Angel.

Another passion of Maggie's was the collecting of antiques, especially fine glassware. This led to her becoming a certified antiques appraiser.

Maggie enjoyed helping Skeeter farm and tend to the animals at the family home on McHugh Road, until his passing March 16, 2022.

Maggie enjoyed helping her nieces each year with a benefit craft show. She enjoyed assisting with the admission table, whose proceeds were donated to her great nephew's local Special Olympics team.

Maggie was proceeded in death by her daughter Sue in 2020, by her husband Forrest (Skeeter) Baertsch in 2022, as well as her parents Howard T and Bernice Nye, and brothers Major Nye and Howard Nye Jr.

Maggie is survived by a sister Libby Fuller and brother Ted Nye; her stepsons, Steve and Stacey and their families; and stepdaughter, Susan J. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including Tabitha McKinzie, Chris Fuller and Melody Grant and their families, along with several great nieces and nephews and 4 great-great nieces. Maggie also appreciated her close circle of friends, who were always willing to help her out when needed.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Association, the Tri-County Area Special Olympics in care of the Tri-County Wolves, PO Box 6693, Helena, MT 59604, or to charity of your choice. Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.