Arlene was the youngest of four, born to Gyda (Land) and Leonard Grotte, December 1, 1934 in Northwood, North Dakota. She was proud of being 100% Norwegian and learned, from her family, how to make lefsa and other Norwegian dishes (and no, Mother…nobody liked the lutefisk). Her family life was happy and they spent much time singing together; sister, Joan, on the piano, her dad, Leonard, singing bass and the others chiming in with beautiful harmonies.
The Grotte family owned and operated a grocery store in Northwood until they made the brave move across two states, landing in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley. There, Arlene went through high school where she met a Hamilton boy, Jim Bailey, who was also a singer. Their love of music brought Jim and Arlene together. They sang as a duo, entertaining around the valley. They married in 1954. Jim and Arlene owned and operated the family businesses, the Roxy and the Starlite Drive-in Theaters; while also becoming involved with Montana Jaycees and raising six children. Both Jim and Arlene were instrumental in teaching their children the joy of music. Arlene spent time teaching her kids how to sing at very young ages and taught them many songs and harmony. She coached and encouraged them to practice their singing while doing the dinner dishes. For many years, the Bailey kids had many singing engagements which Arlene joyfully coordinated, carting them here and there to their “gigs”. This was a source of great pride to her.
After her two oldest kids had left home, and having been divorced, she made the incredibly brave move, with the kids, to Helena. There she bought a house and got a job working at First Security Bank as a teller. It was there that she met a dapper gentleman, Jim Brunton, who was a customer and made sure he did his banking business at Arlene’s window. He finally asked her to dinner one day and after dating for a couple of years, they were married April 26, 1980. Jim and Arlene Brunton began their life together and these years were the happiest of Arlene’s life. Jim, being a retired Highway Cop, loved the road. They traveled the country and had many wonderful adventures. They also ventured into real estate together which they did for several years. Arlene was very proud of her first big sale of a Radon Health Mine near Basin… Pizza Party! Jim and Arlene also owned the Main News in Helena for a few years, where they met many new friends. Arlene was an incredibly brave and stoic woman. She was diagnosed with Type I diabetes and for the rest of her life, she was charged with the management of this disease. Her family credits Jim with helping her manage her diabetes and in many instances, saving her life from it.
Arlene lost her beloved husband, Jim, September 16, 2014, which broke her heart. She grieved for him until the day she died. After Jim’s death, she moved into her daughter, Tammy and son-in-law, Myron’s home where they had remodeled their basement to become Arlene’s “condo”. She visited her other kids in Helena for a change of scenery, but she was living with Tammy and Myron when she passed, following complications of a heart attack. She faced this health challenge with bravery and wit. She was fiercely funny and loved to throw out teases and jokes.
Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Joan Engen; the father of her children, Jim Bailey and the love of her life, Jim Brunton. She is survived by her six children and their families: Terry (Jim) Gundersen, Kyle, Aaron, Emily Williams; Tim (Janie) Bailey, Brandon, Jaime and Kelly; Tom (Alice) Bailey, Levi, Mitchell, Amy, Craig and Larry; Tammy (Myron) Laib; Tracy (Patty) Bailey, Derek, Chelsi, Jennifer, Diedra, Jeremy, Christopher Bailey and Step kids, Emily and Brandon; and Tina Bailey. She is also survived by her older siblings, Gwen Saari and Rolly (Sam) Grotte; numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She will also be missed by many dear friends and her little dog, Pepper.
Viewing will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 20th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave. A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 21st at the funeral home. Graveside services will follow the funeral service at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside service in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Arlene’s name to the American Diabetes Association or Toys for Tots c/o Tammy Laib (Valley Hub in Helena).
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday August 20, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 21, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the service
Tuesday August 21, 2018
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Tuesday August 21, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
,
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday August 20, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 21, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the service
Tuesday August 21, 2018
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Tuesday August 21, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
,
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Vicki Shulund Wofford says
Family, to a very special women, who went to school with both my mom and dad. Arlene and my Mom had a special bond for singing. They offen sang for high school events. Arlene was alway so kind to us kids the Shulund’s. Hope now my mom, Joyce and Arlene are together singing like two Angels that they were on earth. God bless all the Bailey children. So very sorry for your lose. Much Love Vicki Shulund Wofford and family.
George Swan says
To the Family of Arlene Brunton:
I am Arlene’s first cousin, George Swan. Freida Land was my Mom, a sister to Gyda. I have fond memories of Arlene. She was a very nice person and she was such a good Mom. Arlene was a special cousin to me – always kind and caring. I send my sincerest sympathy to all of you for your loss.
George
David Algie says
Your family’s loss has left Sheree and I deeply saddened. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Sharon Korman Linendoll says
Arlene was such a lovely person, the best of mothers. I met her through Jaycees so many years ago and it was with great happiness that I learned of her remarriage and good life that followed. No one deserved it more than Arlene who did so much for everyone else. She was a beautiful person, inside and out, easy to love and hold dear to our hearts.
Sherrie Bertrand says
Sorry for your loss.your mom was a very nice person and will be missed very much.
Barbara Mellott Tidyman says
I mourn the passing of my close Hamilton friend, Arlene. We shared many interests and Arlene was my cheerleading mentor and a brilliant collaborator in our “Slickerette” comedy group, which entertained at school and community events. We enjoyed such good times “staying over” at each others’ houses, and Arlene’s family was so welcoming with its good humor, good food and impromptu singing. Arlene was a wonderful and loyal friend. My special condolences to Arlene’s brother, Rolly (Sam), and sister, Gwen.
Barbara Mellott Tidyman, Oro Valley AZ
Kim M Dove says
2841 East Shasta Lane
Rudy & Lynette Haas says
We always thought a lot of your mom, she was such a special lady and had the kindest soul. We have many fond memories of her and Jim at sales and auctions. Our sincerest condolences to the family. The world is a little sadder today.
Patsy Pfyffer Mills says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Arlene was a wonderful, kind lady, who was always so nice to us as children growing up in Hamilton. My sincere condolences to your family.
George Buker says
Wishing to send my condolences and am sorry cannot attend the service. May the many happy memories soften the sadness.
Joanne Gilbert says
I had the pleasure of working with Arlene and getting to call her “friend”. She had a heart of gold and her love touched many lives. She always had a sweet smile and a hearty laugh – she was somewhat feisty and she would crack me up!! I will dearly miss her sweet spirit. Our love and prayers go out to you all!!
LINDA STOREY says
I only met her a time or two and its been a long time. She was part of a big family of ours. My thoughts are with you.
Dan Belville says
So sorry for your loss. The memorial written for Arlene has many beautiful memories. Arlene was one of the people who made my childhood in the Bitterroot Valley a special experience. I am blessed to have known her and her children.