Margaret Clare Ryan was born in Salt Lake City Utah on August 31, 1946 to Kenneth Walter Ryan and Mary Kimball. She was sealed for time and all eternity to Laurin Gene Rackham on June 15th, 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple by her relative, and then member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, Spencer W. Kimball.
After supporting her husband through dental school at the University of Oregon and USC in Southern California; Margaret raised five children in Thousand Oaks, California with the help of her adopted extended family – amazing neighbors, friends and churchmates in the Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks stakes. During her years in Thousand Oaks, Margaret served a wide variety of people in a myriad of ways. From PTA leadership roles in her kids’ schools, service in her many church callings; to her open-door, of-course-we-have-an-extra-bed, the-pool-is-always-open policies; she welcomed all into her home, and blessed the lives of those she served. She was a great friend to all she met.
Once her kids were launched, she and Laurin moved first to Manti, Utah (1998—2009) and then to Cedarburg, Wisconsin (2009—2015) where a whole new group of friends and neighbors were welcomed into her extended family. After fighting the battle with a variety of auto-immune and respiratory illnesses for decades, she and Laurin relocated to the Salt Lake City area in 2015 to be closer to family. On the morning of March 4, 2017, Margaret abandoned her failing mortal body for a grand reunion with family, friends, and her Savior Jesus Christ in the next life. We are grateful for her example, her faith, and her time with us.
Margaret is survived by her husband Laurin Rackham, brother Michael Ryan (Carol), sister Patricia Ryan Ross (William), her five children: Scott Ryan Rackham (Laura), Rebecca Parker (Dane), Rachel Westhoff (John), Judd Kimball Rackham (Debby), and Sarah Scherbel (Paul); and her practically-perfect twenty-seven (31 when you count spouses) grandchildren.
A funeral service for friends and family to gather, and share gratitude and stories in her honor will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the LDS Chapel located at 5072 West Roaring Road, South Jordan, UT 84009.
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Margaret Ryan (Rackham) (1946 - 2017)
Diane Rose (Till)
A beautiful, dear soul has departed this earth, but left a remarkable posterity and legacy of kindness and love. What a blessing to have known you Margaret. Will always remember your sweet smile.
Karen Newman (Bsumek)
A very special soul I loved her so much ❤u
Rex Cooper
My memories of Margaret date back to kindergarden. I'm glad that I was able to have a good visit with her at the class picnic last summer. I know that she wasn't feeling well at the time, but it is still a shock that she has died.
Robert S. (Bob) Bacon
One wonderful lady. My best to her husband and posterity.
Russell Hanson
I like Rex knew Margaret since school day one. She was the first one to welcome me to sign in to this site. I was very glad to see her at the picnic. I will miss Maggie the cheer leader very much.
Barbara Miller (Schneider)
Hi Margaret---You left us toooo soon.....What a celebration you are having with YOUR loved ones! Thankyou for great memoriesof our high school days....specially Cheerleading. You have taken precious relationships of family and friends AND your great positive attitude..with you..as you journey through eternity..See you dear friend.......We will ALL be together soon
Doug Boyle
Margaret and I were friends from Holladay Elementary school through Olympus High and beyond. Although we lost physical touch due to life, moves and all that happens to us, we still have managed over the last few years to keep in communication through daily doses of Words with Friends, where she and I messaged and played. I will miss her faith and dignity. What a great woman. My thoughts and prayers continue with her family.
Mark Baggaley
I will always remember Margaret for her enthusiasm and love of life. God Bless Her.
Mark