Mary Julia Sauerbier, 92
Mary Julia Sauerbier, 92
Mary Julia Sauerbier, 92, passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, in Kalispell after living a full and adventurous life.
She was born in Butte on Dec. 21, 1918, to Addison and Molly Tate and grew up in the Upper Ruby Valley in southwestern Montana. Mary received her K-12 education in Virginia City and Deer Lodge. She attended the Kinman Business College in Spokane.
On Dec. 27, 1937, she married Neil Sauerbier in Laurin. They were married for 66 years, until Neil passed away in 2004.
Mary worked for the Intermountain Transportation Company in Kalispell for 25 years as a ticket agent before retiring. Neil and Mary bred Appaloosa horses and taught their five grandchildren how to be accomplished riders.
Mary enjoyed horseback riding, camping, fishing and spending time in the great outdoors. She was an active member in Back Country Horseman, high school rodeo, the Big Sky Appaloosa Club, 4-H and anything else horse-related that she could participate in.
She loved spending time with her friends and taking care of her family. She was so proud of her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. We will miss her strawberry/huckleberry jam, fudge, divinity and the peanut butter cookies “with the mess in the middle.”
Mary is survived by her sons, K. David and Richard Tate; and one daughter, Mary Patricia. Grandchildren include Christi Scott, Carin Orr, Daniel Sauerbier, Diana Sauerbier-Whaley and Carolyn Bush. Great-grandchildren include Kaimana Bush, Braydon Sauerbier, J.D. Orr, Jake Sauerbier, Tyler Sauerbier, Meg Whaley and Knox Whaley.
Mary was one of the most kind and generous people this world will ever know. Our lives will not be the same without her. Her absence will be deeply felt by all.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
A memorial gathering of friends and family is pending.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Mary’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Mary’s guest book.