On June 29th, just three days short of her 90th birthday, Mayme Sylvia Price passed away in Helena, Montana where she had been living in her own apartment in a senior living community since October 2009.
Born in Dublin Township on July 2, 1921 to Charles and Signe Fay, Mayme grew up just north of Williston, North Dakota on the family homestead. She attended country schools through eighth grade and graduated from Williston High School.
After high school, she lived with her Aunt Selma in the Seattle area and worked as a nanny. Upon returning to Williston, she married Robert M. Price on December 1, 1941. In January of 1942, the young couple moved to San Francisco. Mayme loved living close to the center of the city and being able to walk to her job as cashier in the Emporium Department Store’s bank. In 1948 the couple returned to Williston, ND at which time Bob started Price Refrigeration. Mayme, always a partner in all of the couple’s business ventures, was the bookkeeper. They also owned Andy’s Bakery and Cafe in downtown Williston for a short time around 1950. Mayme managed and worked in the cafe.
Mayme was a dedicated mother to her two children, Penny Lee,and Steven Lynn. Always active in their activities, she was a Bluebird and Campfire Girl leader and Boy Scout den mother. She encouraged them to do their best and she was heard to say more than once, “If something is worth doing, it is worth doing right.” She packed many a picnic basket for family boating outings and gatherings at the Price family cabin on Lake Sakakawea. She was well known beyond her family for her peanut brittle, brownies and gingersnaps. Her cookie jar was always full.
Mayme’s quiet, gentle manner hid her fearless, adventuresome spirit. China, Israel, Mexico, Alaska and the Panama Canal were among the places she traveled to. She rode on a roller coaster with her grandson, Jarvis, when she was 85. Last summer at 89, she rode on a giant inner tube behind the family motor boat with her two great grandchildren.
Mayme and Bob wintered in Mesa, Arizona for 20 years where they enjoyed dancing and golfing. Reading books, her daily walk and playing cards were among her favorite activities. Mayme was an avid bridge player. In her retirement, she volunteered at the First Lutheran Church and in the gift shop at the Mercy Hospital in Williston.
Mayme was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert, her sister, Irene Westerso, and her brother, Acey Fay. She is survived by her daughter, Penny (Richard Swanson) of Helena and her son Steven (Karla) of Williston; her grandsons, Jarvis Price (Kimberly) of St. Paul, Minnesota and Alexander Swanson of Eugene, Oregon; her great-grandchildren, Breanna and Kaleb Price. She is also survived by her brother, Charles Fay (Eileen) of Bismarck and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Mayme Price was a devoted wife and mother. We will miss her gentle ways, her subtle sense of humor and, most of all, her love and support. She was much loved.
A memorial service will take place in Williston, North Dakota in August. Details to be announced at a later time. Donations in her name may be sent to the Williston Public Library, 1302 Davidson Dr., Williston, ND 58801. Condolences may be sent to 585 South Rodney St., Helena, MT 59601 or www.retzfuneralhome.com
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Jennifer McNamara says
Steve and Family & Penny and Family;
We are saddened to hear of your loss. Prayers to you and your to help give you strength through this difficult time.
With our Deepest Sympathy.
Jennifer, Tim and Olivia McNamara
Julia McBride says
Dear Penny,Steve and families,
I was sure sorry, to learn of your Mother’s passing.Sending you Blessing and prayers to you all at this time.
God Bless you all
Carol Gress (Knutson) says
Penny,Steve,and Families.
Just know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Mayme was a wonderful lady and I have so many good memories of her..please keep your memories of her wrapped around your hearts and she will always be with you. Please let us know if you need anything..
Love you,
Cousin Carol and Family.
Scott Key says
Steve –
So sad to learn of you Mom’s Passing.
John Eric Rolfstad says
Steve, Penny, Karla, Richard, Alex & Jarvis:
It’s hard to believe that Mayme is no longer with us. She was so much a part of our lives growing up–as next door neighbor, Mom’s longtime friend and Bob’s better half. Our families shared many wonderful times together–I will always cherish the memories of our families boating together at the lake. Mayme’s death in many ways marks the end of an era. Peace be with all of you in this time of loss.
Tom Rolfstad says
Mayme, what a wonderful gal! I have had the luxury of knowing her for two thirds of her life. As a neighbor, as a family business partner, and as a friend. Just hearing the word Mayme lights up my day! Maybe it was her chocolate chip cookies, or camping with our matching Coleman camping gear, or boating, or cabins, or being so close to her and Bob and Steve and Penny. We were so looking forward to seeing her next week on our return from our vacation so we could belately celebrate her Birthday. Of course we also wanted to take her boating and we will forever think of her when we do. Looking forward to celebrating her life in August with her friends and family.
We love you Mayme!
Tom Rolfstad says
Mayme, what a wonderful gal! I have had the luxury of knowing her for two thirds of her life. As a neighbor, as a family business partner, and as a friend. Just hearing the word Mayme lights up my day! Maybe it was her chocolate chip cookies, or camping with our matching Coleman camping gear, or boating, or cabins, or being so close to her and Bob and Steve and Penny. We were so looking forward to seeing her next week on our return from our vacation so we could belately celebrate her Birthday. Of course we also wanted to take her boating and we will forever think of her when we do. Looking forward to celebrating her life in August with her friends and family.
We love you Mayme!
Aaron Schmit says
Steve and Family,
I am sorry to learn of your Mother’s passing. I am grateful for having the chance to know her. I pray for your comfort at this time.
Pam and Barry Abbott says
Penny, Steve and Family:
I was so sad to learn of Mayme’s passing. I was hoping to drive through Helena this summer on my way to or from ND to visit with her. I always loved spending time chatting with her and catching up with family news.
Your mama, to me, demonstrated how to live life to its fullest with grace and dignity. Her unwillingness to ever let age dictate limits is a trait I greatly admire. I want to be just like my auntie Mayme when I grow old…er.
Love, pam
Gilbert Price says
Dear Steve, Karla and Penny,
John Eric Rolfstad shared with me that your beloved mother passed recently. I want to send my sincere condolences to you and your families. I am so glad that I had a chance to meet your mom in September 2007 when I visited Williston. With sincere condolences, Gilbert Price (Maurice Price’s gandson)
Vince Price says
Chuck & Sylvia McCauleuy says
We are sorry for your loss. Mayme was a “great” lady.
I have many, many memories of playing bridge and most of all our many golf games..at the County Club for ladies day and other games when we went just because we could. She never lost her ability to hit that ball and even when we were having a bad day she was always smiling.
God Bless the memories!!