Cheryl Lee (Olson) Martin, 65

Cheryl Lee (Olson) Martin, 65, died of natural causes Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, at her home in Proctor. She was born April 19, 1943, the youngest daughter of Art and Doris Olson. Her father was a logger in the valley all his lifetime. Her mother worked at Woolworth and the Electric Maid Bakery.

Cheryl attended Russell Elementary School and Flathead High School.

She married Vern Nigg on Jan. 21, 1959. They managed the Hide Out Bar for many years until it was sold. They have two sons, Kelly Nigg and Randy Nigg. They divorced in 1980.

Cheryl married Eddie Martin on Oct. 16, 1982. They resided on U.S. 93 south of the Four Corners. They bought a small ranch in Proctor. Eddie passed away on Dec. 14, 2001.

In her younger years, Cheryl was active in O-Mok-Sees. She won many trophies. She loved her horses, cats, dogs and even a pet raccoon. One of her fun jobs was penning cattle, horses and sheep at the Kalispell Livestock Auction. That was the day she always looked forward to.

She went on many trail rides, including the covered wagon trips in the Lower Valley. Anything that included riding a horse — she was ready to go.

Survivors include her sons, Kelly Nigg of Kalispell, and Randy Nigg of Proctor; grandson, Jake Nigg, of Kalispell; a sister, Billie Jean Bloxham, of Great Falls; nephews, Doug Siderius and Dan Siderius, of Kalispell; nieces, LeAnn Siderius of Kalispell, and Laurie Quinlan of Hamilton; uncle, Jerry Smithson, of Coos Bay, Ore; cousins and many close friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur M. Olson, on Aug. 29, 1990; her mother, Doris Jean Olson, on Aug. 24, 1991; and her husband, Eddie Martin.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral chapel in Kalispell. Burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Friends and relatives are invited to the home of Doug Siderius, 737 Egan Road, in Kalispell, after the services for refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lupus Foundation, 2000 L Street, N.W. Suite 710, Washington, D.C. 20036; or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.jgfuneralhome.com.