Margene Stuart Criddle, 72, of Downey passed away September 26, 2004 at her home after a long and courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease). She was born October 1, 1932 to Mary Owens and George Stuart in Malad, Idaho. Margene grew up in Malad and is a graduate of Malad High School. She lived on her own at age 13 and supported herself by working at Allen Drug. She waited for her sweetheart Calvin Criddle to return from his mission and they were married in the Logan Temple shortly after. They were married 51 years. Cal passed away January 25, 2003.

Margene loved people and loved teaching and serving them. She was active in the LDS Church serving as a nursery teacher, den mother, visiting teacher and Relief Society President. She had taught the 16-18 year old Sunday School class for the past 17 years.

She was a 50 year member of the Downey Study Club in which she served as secretary and president three times. Margene served on the South Bannock County library board for 17 years during which time she helped organize the Downey and Lava Hot Springs libraries as well as the traveling bookmobile, which brought important reading service to Marsh Valley. She was a 4-H leader, and a member of the Planning and Zoning Committee. She was the first woman to have served as a trustee for the Marsh Valley School District. She is the only woman to have served as chairwoman of that organization. She served from 1986-1994.

Margene was always determined, strong willed and willing to work hard. She was the contractor on two homes she and Cal built and enjoyed with their family. She loved to read and was a master canner, seamstress and quilter. She was always busy serving others as well as her family. She loved to learn and genuinely loved and supported her community and family. She had many wonderful friends.

Margene had a terrific wit and love of life. She especially enjoyed her time with her children and grandchildren. She always wanted to make special memories for each of them and she did. She was a great story teller. For 35 years she made over 120 homemade caramel apples to give out each Halloween. Margene never complained even when ALS put severe limits on what she was able to do. Her example of strength, courage, and endurance while maintaining her faith and positive attitude will never be forgotten.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Calvin, her parents and a sister, Dorothy Lewis. She is survived by her children: Kathy (Scott) Campbell, Ogden, Utah; Karen (Steve) Myler, Inkom, Idaho; Diane (Bruce) Garrard, Magna, Utah; Steve (Keedrin) Criddle, Downey, Idaho; 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; her brother, Verlyn-Squeek (Joy) Stuart, Idaho Falls, Idaho; two twin aunts, Ella (Pharen) Owens Apgood, Salt Lake City, Utah; and Edith (Verl) Owens Udy; an uncle, Claire (Dot) Owens, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Funeral services will be held September 20, 2004 at the Downey LDS Chapel.