Margaret Louise Dow

There is so much to say about Margaret, so it will be difficult to summarize her beautiful life. She lived a life defined by hard work, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to her family.

Margaret couldn’t wait to get started on life. At barely 18 years old, she married her sweetheart, Paul Dow, beginning a remarkable story and partnership that spanned 76 years. Eager to build a future together, the young newlyweds bought an A&W franchise and moved to North Dakota. Margaret jumped right in, running a tight ship in the kitchen and proving that sheer determination and hard work could make anything succeed.

In 1969, Margaret and Paul set their sights on heading west, settling in Montrose, Colorado, in 1970. Together, they built a life and a business empire neither could have imagined as youngsters. They opened a Tastee-Freez and soon expanded to multiple locations in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. They truly loved what they did, and their passion brought them great success. Along their journey they built multiple businesses, but the restaurants were where she truly shined!

Throughout the years they acquired various properties, but their favorite places were in Moab, Park City, and Snowbird, Utah, as well as Rico, Colorado (they had a knack for finding some of the most beautiful places on Earth!). Their cabin nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in Rico remains a cherished gathering place where the entire family still comes together today.

To know Margaret was to know a selfless, quiet, self-reliant woman who was sure of herself and had a WONDERFUL sense of humor! She was a fantastic cook and avid recipe collector, famous for her potato salad, bierocks, and her waffle recipe, which every grandchild holds dear. She was also a die-hard hockey and football fan—especially when it came to her beloved Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos, and everyone knew not to interrupt her when a game was on!

Margaret believed deeply in passing on practical life skills. She spent hours with the grandkids teaching them how to cook, count back change, use a typewriter, playing geography games and Authors. Most importantly and above all else, Margaret was a child of God. She walked closely with the Lord, and her faith was steadfast. We take immense comfort in knowing His perpetual light now shines upon her.

Margaret is survived by her beloved husband of 76 years, Paul; her two daughters, Audrey (Dan) Keep and Barbara (Neal) Muldoon; her grandchildren, Erik (Riy) Keep, Robyn (Kelly) Johnson, Nick Keep (deceased), Baby Neal Muldoon (deceased), Jane (Paul) Johnson, and Hannah (Rolando) Faria, and a number of beautiful great-grandchildren.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to HopeWest, Ashley and Alexis. As well as Angels of Montrose, Starla Merling and caretakers Ryan and Tami, for their extraordinary care and compassion. They made all the difference, and we feel deeply blessed to have had their support.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to HopeWest.