Our beloved mother and grandmother, Sally Irene Garton, 76, peacefully passed away the morning of April 4, 2014 surrounded by her family.
Sally was born Jan. 20, 1938 in Pueblo, Colorado the only child of Roy and Thelma (Peggy) Clayton. After her parents’ divorced when she was seven, she was raised by her mother. While attending Pueblo Central High School, she loved participating in choir, musicals, and plays. She often referred to herself as the class clown. She graduated in 1956 and moved with her mother to Billings, Montana.
Shortly thereafter, she met David Garton. She said she had to “chase him around” for five years until they married on June 9, 1962. They enjoyed fishing, camping, and playing cards, dice, and dominoes. Together they had three children- Tirzah, Dane, and Lance. Sally loved raising her kids and creating a powerful sense of family. She was a wonderful mother, inspired by her own mother who was an exemplary role model. She was loving, supportive, and fun. She was proud of her children and grandchildren and loved attending all of their activities.
Sally was a secretary by trade and held a number of positions prior to babysitting in her home for about 10 years. She then became the secretary at Lewis and Clark Junior High School- a position she held for 20 years. After retiring, Sally became involved with the Red Hats Society, Bible study classes at Faith Chapel, and volunteering at St. Vincent’s Hospital.
In 2010 Sally moved to Stoney Brook, a retirement community outside of Helena to be closer to her daughter and her family. While there, she enjoyed coffee and cards at the club house and playing pinochle at the senior center. In December 2013 due to health conditions she moved into the Country Life Assisted Living facility where she resided until her death.
Sally was an amazing lady. She had a “the more-the-merrier” attitude and she truly never met a stranger. Sally remained devoted to her family until the end.
Sally was preceded in death by her parents and her husband C. David Garton (7/7/04). She is survived by Chris and Tirzah Bruski and their sons Cody and Wesley of Clancy, MT; Dane and Donna Garton and their sons Drew (Kate), Dalton, and Dylan of Great Falls, MT; Lance Garton and ex-wife Jen and their daughters Corrine and Sammi of Billings, MT.
There will be a celebration of life at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 10th, in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave, Helena. Sally will be laid to rest with her husband in the Rosebud Cemetery outside Absarokee, Montana during the week end of the 4th of July. Details will be announced at a later date.
The family would like to thank the staff of Country Life and Frontier Hospice for their loving care.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
5:00 p.m.
Thursday April 10, 2014
Reception Hall at Funeral Home
3750 North Montana
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
5:00 p.m.
Thursday April 10, 2014
Reception Hall at Funeral Home
3750 North Montana
Helena, Montana 59601
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John and Gerri Rouane says
We will miss Miss Sally as we did when she moved from Stoney Brook Village. Sally had a quick wit, and could play a mean hand of Golf. We came to love Sally and enjoyed so much to be in her company and talk about all kinds of things. She loved to have company and she had the most amazing spirit and grit. Sally did not let problems get her down or her medical condition stop her from playing cards, and Saturday morning coffee. Her spirit lived in the lives of her children and grandchildren and her beautiful kitty. She was the first person I ever encountered walking a cat! I love her and will miss her so much! We did not have a chance to say “good bye” to her but we will just say, “till we meet again”. Hugs and kisses to her family and we share your sorrow.
John and Gerri Rouane
Al Bloomer says
Tirzah, Dane and Lance:
I was very sorry to read about Sally’s passing. She certainly was an amazing woman. I remember the times in Billings when she and your Dad were avid supporters of the youth hockey program. I always knew she would speak from her heart and her opinions were always valuable to me. I enjoyed her laugh. She was all about family.
She will be missed but her spirit will always linger in our hearts.
Al Bloomer
Bill Oakey says
I worked with Sally at Hurlbut and Kersich in the late 1960’s and early 70’s. We had a good time together and I remember her well. Over the years I met Dave and I think most of her kids. I know she talked about them a lot. She was a strong person and I was glad to know her.
Bill Oakey
Carolyn Boyd says
I worked at Lewis and Clark with Sally for many years. She kept the ship running straight for sure, but her greatest delight was to talk about her children and grandchildren. My sympathies for your loss.
Ellen Miller says
Allan and I are saddened to hear of Sally’s death. Remember trying to learn pinochle in the kitchen on Lewis and her good humor when faced in difficult family situations. I admired her so much. Her Christmas cards were the best. Allan and I are hoping to make it to the service. Ellen
Judy Morgan says
Tirzah,Dane and Lance
Sally and I worked together at Lewis & Clark. She ran a tight ship in the office and I always loved he positive attitude. We had a lot of laughs about our kids growing up. You all were so blessed to have her in your life and she was blessed to have you. Hats off to a neat lady.
Judy Morgan
Randy and Rosie Tetzloff says
To Sally’s family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sorrow. Your mother was such a wonderful lady, full of grit, smiles and friendship. It was our privilege to know her.
Thank you for sharing her with our Stoney Brook community.
Bev Wallace says
I loved Sally! Before she moved away, we were in the same Bible study group at Faith Chapel. She had such a delightful sense of humor and was so down to earth. I’m reminded of her often, and miss her when I drive past her house on Burlington. May your happy memories of Sally bring you comfort, peace and joy.
Bev Wallace
Jimbo Fagan says
Lance, Dane, and Tirzah-
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. I think often of the best times growing up…hunting and fishing at the cabin, Homesteader Days, throwing shoes in your backyard, and of course, hockey trips. Sally was an absolutely wonderful person and she made the lives of everyone she met better. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Jimbo, Mariann, Sean, Patrick, and Gavin Fagan
Jim and Judy Fagan says
Tirzah, Dane, Lance and family
We are so very sorry for your troubles. The 4th of Julys, hockey trips, opening days of hunting will be with us always. Your mother was truely one of a kind. So loving, supportive, and proud of her family. You were very fortunate to have such a wonderful, outstanding and caring mother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Love,
Jim and Judy Fagan
john feeley says
I met Dave when I worked on his survey crew in Columbus and soon met Sally who offered to babysit my daughter while my wife and I were working. My daughter Marcy soon fell in love with her and sometimes wasn’t too excited about leaving the Gartons’ fun house and come home, as there were no kids there to play with. I loved both Dave and Sally and will be forever grateful for their friendship and advice when I had a lot to learn. My prayers are with the kids and grandkids of these beautiful people….RIP—John Feeley
Janet Massey says
We are saddened by the loss of your mother. She was a good friend long a go. I think of you often. Many memories of our Jobs daughter years. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and all the family. Dennis and Janet
Bob Powell says
Sally and I worked together for 20 years. I had her kids in class and absolutely loved her. Sally typed all my papers, corrected all the spelling and grammar and never expected anything in return. Every morning I would walk into the office and greet her “Good Morning Mustang”. She would give me that little smile and roll her eyes and shake her head. When I screwed up she would let me know and I always appreciated her honesty. She always told it like it was! She loved her kids and those grand-babies and we would share pictures and stories. My deepest sympathy to Tirzah, Dane and Lance. She was a great lady and friend.
Jim & Betty Stoner says
Tirzah, Dane & Lance; We are so sorry about the loss of your mom. It’s a little crude, but I can’t help thinking of the old song “Sally Was A Good Ol’ Girl” as it just seem so appropriate. She certainly was that with her great attitude and fun loving spirit. Ray and Jere still remember all the good times at Sally’s. We all share your sorrow.
Betty and Jim Stoner
SharonD'Ambrosia says
I would to tell the family how sorry i’m for their loss. As time passes it will be easier. you are all in our prayers, stay strong.
Don & Sharon D’Ambrosia
Zara (Frank) Logan says
Tirzah, Lance and Dane, Your Mother took care of my son, Chris Frank, from the time he was 3 weeks old until he went to kindergarten in the early ’70’s. I always heard from her at Christmas. I have many fond memories and she gave him so much love. I always remember her smile and happy disposition. My sympathy to you all.
Ray Stoner says
Dane, Lance, and Tirzah:
I am very sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. I will always carry with me great memories of Sally from the days when we were kids and she had her daycare at your house on Burlington. She always made sure we had a good time and always kept her cool, even with a house full of wild kids. I’ll never forget her taking us umpteen kids in her red Falcon station wagon to the swimming pool, and even to the old Frost Top drive-in if we somewhat behaved ourselves. Or the time she caught Dane and me burying the egg salad sandwiches she made us for lunch under the Mulberry tree behind your house (that was a real life lesson!) She was a great lady and full of fun. After she retired, I enjoyed running into her in Billings from time to time, and we always had a few laughs. Sally was a one-of-a-kind and will be missed. Wishing peace to you and your families.
-Ray Stoner
Arliss Gilbert says
Dane, Lance and Tirzah,
I am very sorry to hear about your mother passing away. I worked with your mother at First National Bank which is Wells Fargo now. I knew your dad because he comes from Absarokee where I was raised. Come to find out years later that your dad and my husband were on the same Navy ship at the same time but didn’t know that. I am the one who introduced her to Bible Studies. She was hestitant at first but she really enjoyed the studies and the ladies that were in the class. Thank you, Tirzah, for buying her, her Bible.
When we got through with the regular studies and we were through until fall, she suggested that we have another study in the summer, we did and she was there every week. On behalf of all the ladies that attended Bible Study when your mother did and myself we pray that God will comfort you and give you peace at this time.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Arliss Gilbert
Dueane & Judy Calvin says
Sorry to hear of Sally’s passing. We have fond memories of “weekend-long” card/board games with her and Dave, and not to forget the many fishing trips up on the Stillwater and Rosebud rivers. She will be missed!
Maribeth Schulz says
I met Sally when I moved to Stoney Brook Village. She immediately made me feel welcome. I felt as if I had known her much longer. I admired her spirit in the face of great medical problems. She always had a smile for you. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Leanne Cooke Beatty says
Tirzah, Dane and Lance – I read of your mom’s passing and wanted to offer our deepest sympathies. I remember the fun times we had while growing up on Custer and then when you moved over to Burlington. Your mom was always such a delight and I loved her to pieces. She will be greatly missed but remember…your mom never really leaves you, she will show herself to you at times when you least expect it and it watching down from Heaven with a huge smile on her face. You are in the Cooke Family’s parayers. Love to you all!
Dee Matzinger says
I worked with Sally at Lewis and Clark middle school. She was so helpful and understanding. I loved her spunk and laugh. She was so good at her job and I was very impressed. She was a good woman and my prayers and thoughts are with all of her family.
Dave F. says
I worked with Sally at Lewis and Clark Middle School in Billings in the mid 90’s. She was always a treat to visit with. She was tough but loving at the same time. She spoke often of her family and how much it meant to her. For whatever reason she took a liking to me and would always make time to visit with me. We kept in touch for several years after I left L & C. Rest in peace Sally.
Kristi Schiff says
So sorry to hear of your moms passing. Many memories of Sally and our many hours watching our sons play hockey! She was always so fun and cheerful.
Steve & Kristi Schiff
Son, Roger (played on teams with Lance)
Bill Jackson says
Rest in peace, Sally.
I went to grade school through high school with Sally.
She was always friendly, fun and ful of energy.
Bill Jackon – Lincoln grade school, Keating Jr HS, Central HS – ’56