Martha Gardner passed away on Friday, September 16, 2022 at her home in Helena, Montana where she lived for the past 28 years of her life.
Martha was born June 20, 1961 in Eugene, Oregon to Wilmer and Marjorie Eicher, and was the youngest of three daughters.
Martha graduated from LeGrande High School in Oregon in 1979. She came to Montana in 1980 and lived with her sister, Elaine, while working on Rod and Linda Kitto’s Farm. She met her husband Dave in 1981 and they were married on September 11, 1982. Dave and Martha had just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They lived in the Toston area until 1983, and then settled in Helena with their 3 children; Jason, Curtis, and Eric.
Martha had a daycare at her home for many years. Martha cared deeply for the connections she made with the children she babysat and continued to stay in touch with them into their adulthood. Later, Martha worked for a local orthodontist for several years and worked for Keller Law Firm until 2018.
In 1983, Martha made her choice to serve the Lord and through her faith made many dear relationships that grew into lifelong friendships.
Martha is survived by her Husband, Dave; Her 3 Sons: Jason (Mindy) Gardner of Kaycee, WY, Curtis Gardner of Helena, MT, Eric (Cheyenne) Gardner of Helena, MT; Her 6 Grandchildren: Braxton, Weston, Carlie, Wheeler, Gallatin, and Tristan; Her 2 sisters, Elaine (Rick) Kitto, Linda (Rod) Kitto. Martha is also survived by many extended family and friends who she cared for deeply.
Martha will always be remembered for her easy going nature, and her huge, caring heart.
A very special thank you to all the friends who helped care for Martha over the past 2 years; She often mentioned how grateful she was to have such true friends.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 22nd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 23rd at the funeral home. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial will take place at 3 p.m. at Deep Creek Cemetery in Townsend.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday September 22, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
10 a.m.
Friday September 23, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday September 23, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday September 22, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
10 a.m.
Friday September 23, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday September 23, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Vonnie Jenkins says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Kimmer says
Dave,
As the days & weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love & support of friends & family. Know that God’s arms are wrapped tightly around you and your family to help you through this. All our thoughts and prayers remain with you all,
Kimmer
Russell and Deanna Chesser says
We were very sorry to hear this news. Glad for loving family and friends and a God who loves more than we can.
Sandi Carsen says
Martha was one of the GREAT people that you might meet in life. She provided my kids with years of love while at her daycare. She was like family to many and will be missed dearly.
Cathy Stewart says
Thoughts of Martha I have will be treasured. Her smile, laugh and kindness will live in family and friends that loved her.
Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest now in Peace Martha
~ Cathy Stewart
Chris Maudlin says
Our thoughts & prayers are with the whole family. Martha is now in the arms of her Lord. R.I.P.
Chris & George Maudlin
Debbie Mayer says
Dave and family,
We are sorry for your loss, our thoughts are very much with you all.
Randy & Debbie (Jacobsen) Mayer
Rod and Jenelle Snow-Nebraska says
Our deepest sympathy
Tammy Miller says
Mom and I send our love and so very sorry Martha is gone. We send our love in this time of sorrow.
Lori Dearen says
We are so sorry for your loss.
Martha posted great pictures on Facebook.
Deepest sympathy, Lori and Del
Marlyce Barndt says
So many memories of dear Martha. She loved deeply and laughed heartily. May your many memories help to ease your loss. We hope it will help you to know that others are thinking of you and praying for you. Sending our love and sympathy, Marlyce and Lee Barndt
Chuck Norman says
Dave and family
We are so sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Chuck and Kim Norman
Vicki Hampson says
Dave, Jason, Curtis, Eric & Families,
So very sorry for your loss. You are all in our Prayers. We have so many wonderful memories with Martha. From the Jim Darcy Mom crew before & after school to Scouts. Martha was & will always be an incredible person.
Mike & Vicki Hampson
Dan and Claudia Burdick says
Martha’s genuine love and welcoming presence are things I will always remember about Martha . As well as her sense of humor and optimism even in the face of great hardship. She encouraged and cheered people by just being with her and she loved people regardless of their status or position in life. She and Dave are salt of the earth type of people, encouragers with big hearts for everyone. Way too young to be gone from us. Martha watched my boys when they were little and they loved her too. She is a friend I’ll be glad to see again when my time comes.
Teri Cothren says
Martha brought a special joy to those around her. I remember my time in her parents home while I was going to college in LaGrande. Happy memories from those days that I shared with Martha and her family. Thinking of you all today with a deep thankfulness for their faithful lives.
Dale & Mimi Gardner says
Dear Dave, Jason, Eric and Curtis,
Sending you lots of love and blessings. We wish we could be there to give you love and support in person. Martha was a wonderful person – full of life and fun and generosity. While we are devastated at her loss we will always think of her lovingly and the fun times we had together.
Mark Nealon says
Martha and her family are some of the earliest memories I have. Our families spent many Sunday afternoons together in Eugene.
The dynamic between the Eicher girls and the Nealon boys basically equalled “chaos”, which frustrated and annoyed our parents greatly,
mainly because everything was done LOUDLY.
My condolences to all of you, her family. Haven’t seen any of you for decades, but many memories.
Lonnie M Collings says
Dave and family so sorry for your loss. Martha was a wonderful person. I always enjoyed when she would come into the office, usually to pick up one of the little ones. She always stopped to talk. She will be missed.
Prayers to you and yours.
Jane Jimeno says
Thinking of all of you. Keeping you in our hearts.
Jennifer & Shane Maichel says
Dave and family, our hearts ache with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Martha was a wonderful, beautiful soul and a dear friend. Wishing we could be there to give you a hug.
Elaine Tipton says
Thinking of all your family & So sorry for your loss.
John and Crystal says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God send comfort and healing during this very difficult time. She will be greatly missed. Loved her sweet smile and hugs. Will cherish those memories always.