Marjorie Fay Sanders, age 92 of Helena passed away Monday, November 25, 2024 in Helena.
Marjorie was born in 1932 to Frank and Katie Madison, on the famed Bair Ranch where Frank was the foreman for Charlie Bair. She received most of her schooling in White Sulphur Springs with the exception of an elementary grade or two in Martinsdale, MT., and during WW II a couple of years in Vancouver, Washington where Frank was employed at Kiser Shipyards. Marjorie graduated from White Sulphur Springs High School in 1950, later married that year to Ovie Woolverton. They had one son, Douglas Frank. They later divorced.
Marjorie spent many years in West Yellowstone, MT, waitressing and bartending. There she met Danny Cooper; they were married in 1956 in Las Vegas. They worked summers in West Yellowstone and winters in Furnace Creek, Death Valley, CA. They had two sons, Danny Craig and Cory Lewis; they too later divorced, (Marjorie: “Strike Two”!).
Marjorie continued waitressing in White Sulphur Springs, Billings, West Yellowstone, Death Valley, CA, Las Vegas, Tonopah, NV, Glendale CA and in Helena. She also worked for several years for the Department of Corrections as the secretary for the Department of Probation and Parole.
Marjorie was married to Walter “Sandy” Sanders in 1963, They operated the Mint Bar in White Sulphur Springs for a short while. They moved to Helena where Sandy operated the Capri Lounge, Tracy’s Lounge and Mr. Lucky’s Supper Club. They had one son, Colton Frank, they later divorced; (Marjorie: three strikes are all you get & that’s two more than “plenty”!). They remained the best of friends.
In 1986, she went to work for St. Helena Cathedral Parish as cook and housekeeper for many parish priests and 4 Bishops over the next 21 years. She could sing and was often called on to sing with the many bands over the “Club Years” in Billings, West Yellowstone and in Helena.
Marjorie wrote poetry from her early years, loved animals, music (“the real music before the generation (s) that took the melody out of music”), her great love was her children and grandchildren, but her peace was in Jesus Christ and the church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three sons, Douglas Frank, Danny Craig and Cory Lewis; two sisters, Edna Madison and Jean Burnett; three brothers, Cleo Madison, Darrel Madison and Bill Jones; and grandchild Alisia.
Marjorie is survived by her son, Colton Frank; two grandchildren, Poni, and Tyler; several great grandchildren; four nieces, Gayle Curtis, Fonda Hibbard, Rita Carlson and Linda Olson.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from the St. Helena Cathedral. Interment will be 3:00 p.m. at the Mayn Cemetery in White Sulphur Springs.
Sue says
Margie with an awesome lady, we were neighbors for many years and I truly appreciate it our conversations and laughter. She will be missed by many and I know she is healthy and happy and at peace now. My condolences to her family.
Saundra Lowry says
Marjorie and I met through my work at Rocky Mountain Development Council. I was surprised to learn that Marjorie was in her 80’s at that point. She had a striking brauty
Saundra Lowry says
beauty and grace that were captivating. I enjoyed her and am sorry for her loss.
Mary Fay says
Marjorie was my secretary in the Helena Probation & Parole Office. I was in my 20’s and she, 20 yrs older. She was kind and understood our clientele. She never spoke about her personal life so I didn’t realize what a colorful and interesting life she lived. Rest in peace, Marjorie.
Katie whisonant says
Aunt Margie was a beauty. I always admired her spirit. I’m named after her mama. Our family loves hard and fights just as hard. We we’re our own worst enemies, but God forgive the outsider who dared say something about our own. May she find peace and be reunited with our loved ones.
Diane Fisher-Grand says
Margie was a very close and dear friend of the Fisher family. She was not only beautiful on the outside but inside as well…. Margie had many trials and tribulations in her life but always managed to overcome them…. I remember how she and my Grandmother Alice sat together on Sundays at the Cathedral…. She is now at peace and she will always be in my heart and memory forever!
Jackie lloyd says
Rest in Peace Marjorie.