Mardean Tupper Bartleson, 69
A lunar eclipse during the full moon of the winter solstice only happens once in a lifetime. It is only fitting that someone as special as Mardean Tupper Bartleson “was called to the Lord’s side” in the company of her husband Rod, daughter Colleen, and cherished dog Pepper on such a night. She passed away at 9:11 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2010, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, from colon cancer.
Mardean Tupper was born in Grass Valley, Calif., on Dec. 1, 1941, and raised by her maternal grandparents, Sherman and Jenny Wallace in Creston.
She graduated from Flathead County High School in 1959 and married Rod Bartleson on Oct. 17, 1959. They moved to Cut Bank that year and have lived there since.
The couple are parents to three children, Mark, Colleen and Neal. Colleen and Mardean even share a birthday! Mardean was a dedicated and committed mother and shared a close relationship with her children throughout their lives.
In 1971, the young couple opened Browning Lumber and Hardware in Browning. The store flourished and has now been in business for nearly 40 years. In those early days it was not unusual for Mardean to be hauling material (and the kids) to and from Great Falls. She was involved in every aspect of the store. Mardean was “The Queen” at Browning Lumber and when she talked, people listened.
Mardean was the ultimate Seattle Mariners fan. She was a highlight when she went to Seattle to attend games or collected her winnings on some “for fun” bets with customers.
She loved to spend time with her grandchildren and was a big part of their lives. Everyone looked forward to special cards and phone calls from Grandma.
Faith was a pillar in Mardean’s life. She was very involved with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for the 51 years she lived in Cut Bank. Her church circle was a monthly highlight for her and she made friendships that she cherished deeply. She spent much of her time in different aspects of service with the church over the years. One of her most enjoyed projects was the Gift Program at Immanuel Lutheran Home. She had faithfully coordinated the donation and delivery of Christmas gifts to every resident.
Mardean was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She was a faithful and trusted friend. Anyone who knew Mardean, because of her soft, gentle and giving spirit, loved her.
Mardean was diagnosed with colon cancer in September of 2009. She endured many trials and tribulations in her fight. She showed grace and endurance throughout the last year. Her faith ran deep and true and gave her strength to the very end.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Rod Bartleson; and her children, Colleen and Dennis Billman of Cut Bank, and Neal and April Bartleson of Kennewick, Wash., and grandchildren, Ashley, Whitney, Austin and Madeline.
Mardean was preceded in death by her son, Mark (1980).
A celebration of Mardean’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cut Bank, with burial to follow in the Crown Hill Cemetery.
Memorials in Mardean’s honor in lieu of flowers are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Communities in Kalispell and the Bell Choir at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.