Gary L. “Bud” Marty, 74, of Great Falls, died of natural causes Saturday, May 10, 2008, at Peace Hospice.
Visitation will be held at Schnider Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, from 2 to 6 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral service. The funeral service will be at Faith Lutheran Church on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 11 a.m., with interment to follow in Highland Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Gary passed away in the arms of his wife, and best friend of 53 years. He was born in Havre on June 2, 1933, to Lloyd and Mickey (Crofoot) of Big Sandy, Mont. He was raised in Big Sandy and graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1951. After graduation Gary farmed and worked at various jobs. On June 26, 1954, he married Mary Ellen Darlington in Big Sandy. They lived there until moving to Havre in 1957. Also, in 1954 Gary took a “temporary” position at Hill County Electric where he retired in 1993. It was during his years at Hill County Electric that we learned what a strong, determined man Gary was. Gary and Mary moved to Great Falls in 1999 after retirement. Gary was a dedicated family man. He was the proud and loving father of a son, Mark, and a daughter, Tracy. He was especially proud of his five grandchildren: Brian, Jeff, Ross, Allyson and Tucker. They were his pride and joy! Gary was active in his church family at Faith Lutheran. He served on the Board of Directors for the Arbor Way Condominium Association, and recently resigned as president due to poor health. He loved to attend his grandchildren’s activities, golf, play cards and tell a good story. It was his sense of humor that endeared him to many. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd; his beloved son, Mark; and grandson, Tucker. Gary is survived by his wife, Mary of Great Falls; mother, Mildred "Mickey" of Big Sandy; daughter, Tracy (Rod) Reamy, and granddaughter, Allyson of Grand Forks, N.D.; daughter-in-law, Claire Marty, and grandsons, Brian, Jeff and Ross of Helena; sister, Shirley McQuire of Buena Park, Calif.; sister, Judy (Larry) Mitscher of Maineville, Ohio; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Condolences for the family may be left at www.schniderfuneralhome. com. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Peace Hospice, 2600 15th Ave. S, Great Falls, MT 59405 or Faith Lutheran Church, 3125 Fifth Ave. S, Great Falls, MT 59405.
