Obituary: Alice Martin
Alice M Perry Martin, 95, passed away on Saturday September 16, 2023 at her home in
Missoula MT of natural causes.
Alice was born April 27, 1928, in Hamilton MT to Peg & Hazel Perry. She grew up in Stevensville MT with her brother Jack and sisters Virginia & Mary Katherine. She graduated from Stevensville High School. While growing up she had a passion for horses and belonged to the local saddle club. She showed appaloosa horses with her dad where they each won many medals and trophies.
In 1950 Alice married Earl Martin Jr. Together they raised their family in the Drummond area where they lived for 43 years. Alice was a cook at Drummond schools for 23 years, she was loved by the children and was always there to greet them with a smile. To this day the alumni and staff fondly remember her famous special k bars and cinnamon rolls.
Alice was an amazing mother, teaching the value of hard work, honesty, and above all else love. She had a fun sense of humor and was up for most any adventure. Mom and dad celebrated 63 years of marriage before dad’s death in 2014. They would have been married 73 years on October 1, 2023. Mom was a strong woman and never failed to share her joy of being in the presence of any family member. She was kind, loving and
supportive, always encouraging those around her to be the best version of themselves.
Her faith in God was important, she loved the Lord and shared that love with her children and community. Mom taught Sunday school and was a youth group leader. She was a member of the United Methodist Church. She prayed every day for her family until the very end, always with a smile on her face.
Mom loved being a part of her community and was affiliated with many clubs and activities throughout the years. Along with her leadership of the church youth she was also a member of the Order of Eastern Stars. She participated as a 4-H leader, volunteered at H&R Thrift Store in Philipsburg, was an ambassador at Grizzly Peak, and enjoyed her weekly pinochle games with friends. She always welcomed company and loved being with people.
Mom loved traveling. Her favorite trip was with dad when they took the train to the east coast. They visited New York City, Saint Louis, and spent a week in Washington D.C.
Alice is preceded in death by her Grandma Nanny, parents Peg & Hazel Perry, brother Jack Perry, sisters Viginia Chaney and Mary Katherine Perry, husband Earl Martin, daughter Lynne Rigby, granddaughter Samantha Martin, and grandson Rafe Friede. She is survived by children Becky (Keith) Kolbeck of Drummond, Jay Martin of Philipsburg, Judy (Butch) Friede of Hall, Lori (Kim) Sayler of Lolo, Doug (Christie) Martin of Columbia Falls, 26 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild, along with several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to St. Jude’s Hospital or charity of donor’s choice in honor of Alice. Mom would love for you to also share a smile and kindness with someone at every opportunity.
A celebration of life will be at Grizzly Peak, 3600 American Way, Missoula, September 30th at 2:00pm. Burial will follow on a later date, where she will join her husband Earl at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
