Marie Potts Gilbert ~ 98

DEER LODGE - Our mother disliked long obituaries. She threatened to come down and haunt us if a lengthy one was ever written for her. So, we told her we would write, “she was born, she lived, and she died”. She said, “Fine!” However, after 98 years of living it was decided she deserved more than that.

Mom was born Feb. 13, 1919 in Butte, Mont. to George and Frances Potts. She was raised in Helmville, Mont., the oldest of eight children.

She attended St Vincent’s Academy in Helena and later business school in Butte. In 1940 she married Clifford “Kick” Gilbert. They had six children; Lois Cearley (Jim), Linda Jennings (Cork), Tom Gilbert (Terry Sullivan), Margie Nield (Kent), Phyllis Welch (Tom) and Marvin Gilbert.

Mom and Dad bought a home in Deer Lodge where she continued living for 76 years. After 35 years of running the Texaco on Main Street with Dad, she kept busy going to “the cabin,” snowmobiling (only until age 96!), playing cards and volunteering at the Deer Lodge Elementary School where many students called her “Grandma.”

She was preceded in death by her husband Kick; grandson David Gilbert; great granddaughter Taylor Cearley; sisters Terese Sewell and Eileen O’Loughlin; and brothers Jack, Frank and George Potts.

She is survived by all her children; 14 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; sisters Jean Haviland and Lois Tolon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made in her name to the Deer Lodge Senior Citizens, Compassus Hospice, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Visitation was held Thursday, Jan. 19 at Jewell Funeral Home. A Vigil service at the Immaculate Conception Church. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday, Jan. 20 at the Immaculate Conception Church, Deer Lodge.

Sleep in peace - We love you.