Our Dear Sweet Marie took her final flight to Heaven on March 12, 2015, surrounded by her family and friends, after her courageous battle with cancer. Marie was born in Lake Preston, South Dakota to Roy and Gladys Anderson on July 29, 1952. She was raised on her parents’ farm near Erwin, South Dakota. Marie graduated from Erwin High School in 1970, and attended Stewart’s School of Hairstyling in Sioux Falls, SD. She married Bob Sturdevant on April 19, 1975, and moved to Helena to begin the biggest job of her life, as the world’s greatest mom. She and Bob were blessed with two children, Troy and Tiffany. I don’t think she knew what she was getting herself into! Marie was able to stay home with her kids when they were young, and was a second mom to numerous other children as well. She and Bob later parted, however they have always remained good friends. Marie started her career with Delta Airlines in 1987 at the Helena Airport as a ticket agent. She became a flight attendant for Delta in 1997 and enjoyed traveling all over the United States as well as her trips to Italy, France, and Japan.
Marie was such a sweet, beautiful woman who was so giving. She always put others before herself, even to the end; her wishes were to have her “celebration of life” on Sunday afternoon so no one had to take the day off work, and they could have dinner while there. Marie was instantly loved by all those who had the privilege to meet her. She was sincere, generous, kind, and had a fun loving prankster side as well! It is gratifying to know how many lives she touched. She was not afraid to take on any task such as single handedly replacing the steering column and timing belt in her car. She was so proud! There wasn’t anything that she wouldn’t try to accomplish, and was successful in all areas of her life. She loved her little “grand doggies” and her favorite horse Jake.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Gladys Anderson. She is survived by her family: son Troy Sturdevant (Shannon), daughter Tiffany Sturdevant, her former husband and lifelong friend Bob Sturdevant, siblings Diane Lundquist of Sioux Falls, SD, Dale (Linda) Anderson of Colton, SD, June (Kenny) Tietz of Sioux Falls, SD, Gaye Anderson of Phoenix, AZ, Rita (Kent) Thomsen of Huron, SD, and her aunt Leona Brandner of Lake Preston, SD. She also treasured her many cousins, nieces, and nephews as well as her flight family with Delta.
The loss of our dear mother, sister, aunt, and friend leaves an incredible void in our hearts, but we find comfort in knowing the huge impact she made in all of our lives.
A memorial service celebrating Marie’s life will be 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 15th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue with a reception to follow in the social center of the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
4:00 p.m.
Sunday March 15, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Sunday March 15, 2015
Social Center of Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
4:00 p.m.
Sunday March 15, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Sunday March 15, 2015
Social Center of Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
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Chris & Dannie Warren says
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill & Ellie West says
We had the distinct pleasure of meeting Marie at our home when we hosted a North meets South BBQ during the Delta transition of flight attendants. Marie, you are a treasure and you will be missed by your Delta family!
suzanne and George baker says
All our love and prays to Marie family and friends. We are bless for knowing Marie even for a short time.
Mooney and Dick Samson says
We’ll always remember Marie’s kindness to us and we’re glad she became friends of the family. Peace to the Sturdevant family.
Mike, Melissa & Jordan Friend says
Praying that God gives you strength during this time of heartache and sadness. Your Mom was a saint and touched so many people with her warm, friendly smile! Love to you all! XOXO
Susan says
Bob, Troy-boy and Tiff,
Marie was simply the best! I am a better person for knowing her. Each time I think of my time spent in Helena, your family is the first in my thoughts. I remember sitting at the table in the kitchen just talking about what was going on that particular day, and what crazy things Troy or Tiff had done. There is a sadness in my heart that will never be replaced, but I know that you are watching over all of us, and that this is not a “goodbye”, but rather a “see ya later”. Until then, my friend.
Pam Paulsen says
Your mom was a special lady and loved by many Delta friends. May she finally be pain free and rest in peace. You will always have your memories of this wonderful mom, aunt, friend to many…
Mike and Diane Langenfus says
I met Marie through her good friend Michelle Johnston. We started a “girlfriend Vegas weekend”. Sadly, Marie was only to make one of those trips as she was diagnosed after making the first one. She had that go big or go home attitude on having fun. She definitely had a magnetic persona and she was beaming the last time I saw her on New Years Eve. She definately left a footprint and she will be missed.
Robin Sainsbury says
Marie you will be missed by many. You left a warm impression on everyone’s heart who knew you.
Karen and Terry Dickman says
My heart is heavy for all of you!!! There are no words that will ease this pain but know you are being prayed for!!! Many God send His peace that surpasses our understanding and may you all feel His Loving arms during this difficult time!!!!
Katy McKean says
I am at a loss for words. I will miss your beautiful face and friendly uplifting spirit Marie. Love and Peace to you and your family. I will forever hold a special place in my heart for you. <3
Linda Greaves says
To Marie’s Family I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Marie when she was at the Helena Airport and then saw her several times when we would find ourselves on the same
flight to SLC. She always had a smile on her face and welcomed a good visit. I pray for all of you as you mourn her passing but know that there are many holding you all up in prayer and offer comfort and love. May God Bless you all!
Pat Standriff says
It was always a pleasure to see Marie’s name on my crew list when I came to work. She was a sweet, feisty, fascinating lady, and we will miss her dearly.
Ardy Johnson says
So sorry for your loss…May God give you peace during this difficult time, Troy ,Tiffany, and Bob…. from Grandma V’s friends, Ray & Ardy Johnson
Ken and Marge Kasper says
So sorry for your loss. Blessed we got to meet Marie. She was an amazing beautiful strong woman. Words cannot express what you all must be feeling. Hope God, time and wonderful memories will bring you peace.
Debi Hansen says
It was a privelidge to know Marie.. Her smile contagious.. I always loved seeing her spending time with her.. I was fortunate enough to spend some one oon one with her on our quick drive to Jan’s house for Marie’s get together.. She accomplished her task on earth.. She brightened my life and I am sure all who came in contact with her.. Sending love light and warm healing energy.. Rest in peace lovely Marie..
Charisse and Kenny Zima says
We had the honor of knowing sweet Marie during her flying years in SLC. She truly was one of those friends who enter your heart and stay with you forever. She was such a caring, loving and happy woman and she spread that joy to all she met. We will miss Marie but will keep her with us in our hearts forever.
Vicki Macdonald. Boulder Co says
God speed sweet lady. To the Sturdevant’s and all of Marie’s many extended family members and friends, I am so very sorry for your loss of a very special lady. Marie may be gone but she will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts!
Sharon Owen says
I will miss Marie. She was the kindest person I have had the pleasure to fly with.
Sherry Olson says
Marie you will be missed! I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers our with her family. God bless all of you.
Anita Parkin says
Bob, she sounds like someone I would have had a lot if fun with!! Hugs to you and your family. Celebrated her life and all the wonderful memories you shared! May God bless you and keep you…… Anita
Corky Smith says
Marie was my matron of honor @ my wedding. She has always been a dear friend. Jerry and I will miss her terribly.
Corky
Colleen Atherley says
Marie was such a fun loving person with a passion for life! I cannot recall ever seeing her without a smile and a positive attitude. I am so grateful to have known her and to have been influenced by her genuine loving, caring nature. She is already missed greatly!
John and Gwynn Mundinger says
Deepest sympathy from us and from our girls who attended school with Bob and Marie’s children.
Brian Anderson says
Remembering her great laugh as she was watching our son dance. She had that warm vibrant energy about her that will always be remembered.
Peace & Sympathies to Uncle Bob and Cousins Troy and Tiff
Kelly Stanley-McNurlin says
I remember Marie at the Helena airport. I met her through my dad Larry, who also worked for Delta, and then later I worked at the airport myself. I remember she had a twinkle in her eyes and her smile! Every now-and-then we would bump into her in the Salt Lake airport. Marie, god-speed. You will be missed! Hoping peace, love, and strength to the Sturdevant family!
Loretta Martinez says
I will miss you, Marie. Your beautiful smile and your radiant, uplifting attitude in life are some of the special gifts you have left for us to remember you by. You were such a joy to work with! Thank you for blessing me with your lovely soul!
Wendy P. Cone says
When I think of Marie, I think of happiness, kindness and a sweet smile. Such a wonderful woman to work with. Marie will be missed. Peace and sympathy to her family.
Joni Campbell says
As you remember Marie today, know she is celebrated by many who are not in Montana right now. She touched our hearts, made us laugh, made us proud, and kept us sane. Marie, you are loved and missed.
Sarah Ewing says
May you rest in peace sweet Marie. You will be sorely missed. Peace and love to your family.
Emmanuel Levarek says
It was indeed always pleasant to see Marie’s name on the crew list. she was such a sweet and gentle person. Always nice to everyone, crews and passengers alike, Marie was just a sweet person all around. I had really hoped she would get better and come back to us for a while but I guess the Good Lord could not wait for her to come back to Him…. Good for them upstairs… Lucky them! . Sucks for us down here. I will surely miss you, sweet Marie.
Thomas and Yvette Stark says
We will miss you Marie! The comments from other flight attendants are wonderfully true…. and we both flew with Marie for so many years…. she was so real… and loved by all she worked with very much! Our sympathy and prayers go out to the family and other close friends.
Bob and LaVerna Jacobsma says
We used to have such a good time whenever we could get together with her, her sisters and mom when she would come to Sioux Falls. She will be so missed by everyone who knew her. God bless her and all of your family.
Julie Breyer says
I am so Sorry for your loss. Marie is in Gods loving arms. She expressed to me her gratitude for the good life she experienced..& all of us who were blessed to have shared in her life are better for having known her…So long for now my treasured friend….until we meet again…Julie
Jeff and Polly Plum says
I am so sorry to hear of Marie’s passing. My condolences goes out to the family. I worked with Marie at Delta in Helena from 1993 to 1995. We kept in touch for several years after she became a Flight Attendant. The last time I spoke with Marie was a couple years ago, when we were on the same flight from Helena to Salt Lake City. She was such an inspiration! Marie always had a positive attitude and was fun to be around. I feel so privileged to have known Marie. Marie will truly be missed. God bless her and the entire family. Jeff
Char LeVasseur says
So sorry to hear of Marie’s passing. She was always pleasant to Joe and me at the MT Eyecare gatherings all those years ago. My prayers are with the family.