Margaret was the only child born to John Virgil Baptist and Marjorie Elizabeth (Ramey) Baptist in Leavenworth, Kansas on August 5th, 1938. They stayed in Leavenworth until 1942 when her Dad was drafted into the Army Air Corp. Margaret and her Mom moved to Manhattan, Kansas, to stay with her maternal grandparents, Howard and Josie Ramey.
In 1946 the family was reunited and moved to Denver, Colorado. Margaret continued on with her education. It was during these grade school years that she joined the Girl Scout program. She was involved in the Girl Scout program for many years. While at a Girl Scout camp, Margaret developed her love for animals, particularly horses and dogs. She had horses in her life until her late 40’s and always had a dog as her companion until her death.
After graduating East Denver High School in 1956, Margaret went on to Colorado State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities in 1960.
Margaret’s social work career started in May of 1961 at Kit Carson County Social Services in Burlington Colorado. It was at this time she met and married Charles Walstrom. In 1963 they welcomed their first son, Gregory Allen, and in 1965 their second son, Steven Dean. When the marriage ended in 1972 Margaret moved to Fort Collins, Colorado to take Spanish courses, which she used for the rest of her life. After completing her courses in 1972 she moved to Las Animas, Colorado, then to La Junta Colorado while working as a social worker.
In 1973 she moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado and stayed there until her death. She continued to work as a social worker for various departments and programs until she enrolled in graduate school at the University of Denver. She received her master’s degree in Social Work in 1980 and went on to have a fulfilling career. Margaret worked for the police department, Academy School District #20, and Memorial Hospital until her retirement in 2001. The majority of her career was spent at the Academy School District.
After retirement Margaret spent her time on her passions and various clubs. These passions included playing guitar, banjo, traveling, spending time with her dogs and seeing Gaidge and Lexi (great grand kids) at various functions.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents John and Marjorie Baptist. Her son Steven Dean Walstrom. Her grandsons Jacob Robinson and John Clarence Walstrom.
Margaret is survived by her son Greg Walstrom (Glenda). grandchildren, Mari Mitchek (Laine), and Raymon Robinson (Tiffany) and seven great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Margaret's name to
The Place , 423 E.Cucharras St., Colorado Springs Colorado 80903 , theplacecos.org , 719-338-9257.
