Margaret Anne Moss Key

Margaret Anne Moss Key, 61, died at her home in Great Falls, MT on April 7, 2012, after living with a leiomyosarcoma for 16 months. A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at First United Methodist Church, Great Falls, Montana. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Anne was born in Cameron, SC to Thomas Connor and Virginia Dukes Moss. Anne grew up in the rural South and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BS in Nursing. It was there that she met Tom Key. They were married on March 25, 1972. While Tom pursued medical education at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, Anne worked as a nurse director for eight years in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at MUSC. Two children followed, and the family moved to San Diego in 1981 for Toms additional medical training. They made San Diego their home for 13 years. As a young mother, Anne was an avid runner, completing the San Diego Marathon and many other long-distance races. A professional volunteer, she kept busy with the childrens many activities. Anne was an active member of San Carlos United Methodist Church, where she served as the Sunday School Superintendent for many years. When Tom entered private practice in 1989, Anne returned to nursing and joined his staff as an office nurse.The family had the opportunity to move to Montana in 1993, and they quickly became immersed in life under the Big Sky. While Tom established his medical practice in Great Falls, Anne once again became a community volunteer. She was involved with the Electric City Soccer Club, working with others to bring competitive soccer into the high schools. As a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church, Anne served on the Board of Trustees, was president of United Methodist Women, taught Sunday School, played in the Hand Bell Choir, led Sarah Circle, and completed training for and served as a Stephen Minister. She was an active member of P.E.O. (Chapter AH), serving for three years as its president.Anne and Tom established the Montana Aerie Sheep Ranch in 1994. Anne was passionate about her work with sheep and the wool industry. She enjoyed sharing her many experiences with family and friends, as well as outreach into the schools. Under Annes guidance, Montana Aerie grew to national prominence, producing National Champion Rams and Ewes in three breeds, Columbia, American Border Leicester, and Natural Colored Border Leicester. She also produced many national and international champion fleeces. She and Tom have been National Champion Consignors on 10 occasions, holding the distinction of receiving this prestigious award for 4 years running in the Columbia sheep breed. Anne and Tom were jointly named National Sheep Persons of the Year in 2009. At the time of her death, she was a national director of the American Border Leicester Association and has served many years as President of the Columbia Sheep Breeders of Montana.Anne is survived by her soulmate of 40 years, Dr. Tom Key; her children and their spouses, Lauren Key Burns and Alex Burns of Pittsburgh, PA, and Clinton Key and Kelly Sheeran of Saxapahaw, NC; her grandchildren, Margaret and Charlie Burns; her father, T.C. Moss; her sister, Mrs. Gene (Clare) Allen; her brother, Tom (Lynette) Moss; and many special nieces and nephews. Anne was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Moss.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 610 2nd Ave N, Great Falls, MT 59401 or to Peace Hospice, 1101 26th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405.