Arlie Mae Jackson Lane

Arlie Mae Jackson Lane

Arlie Mae Jackson Lane, beloved mother and dear friend, passed away on Feb. 6, 2012, at Northern Montana Hospital, after a brief illness. Arlie was 88 years old.

Arlie was born on March 11, 1923, to Frederick and Anna Jackson of Hettinger, N.D. After the death of her father in 1937, she and her mother moved to Livingston, Mont., to be closer to family.

After graduating from high school, Arlie took her Civil Service exams and moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the government during World War II. She transferred to Denver, and met Harrison Lane on a blind date. They were married two months later in August 1943. Shortly after their marriage, Harrison was deployed to the Pacific Theater for two-and-a-half years. After World War II, the couple moved to Bozeman and later Belgrade. They moved to Havre in 1954. Arlie worked as a social worker, a secretary at Havre Junior High School and at both the Northern Montana College and Havre-Hill County libraries. Arlie, however, will be remembered best for her many volunteer endeavors throughout the Havre community. If there was a need, Arlie was there, and many organizations benefitted from the gifts of her time and talent. Her special causes included the Havre-Hill County Library and TURF.

Arlie enjoyed traveling and visited Alaska, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Nova Scotia and Tunisia.

Most of all, Arlie loved her dear friends, including "the ladies of the hill, " gardening, reading and enjoying time with her family. Her pragmatism, sense of humor and counsel will be missed by many.

Arlie is predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Harrison; a brother; and three half-sisters.

Arlie Mae Jackson Lane

Arlie is survived by her three daughters, Michelle (Dennis) Tighe of Great Falls, Lesley (David) Butler of Billings and Jimmi (John) Lane-Bina of Minneapolis, Minn. She is also survived by four grandchildren; Emily Butler (Chris Cast) of Seattle, Wash., Julia Bina, Jack Bina and Jordan Bina of Minneapolis, Minn. ; and two great-grandchildren, Harrison Cast and William Cast of Seattle, Wash.

A celebration of her life — A Garden Party for Arlie — is planned for this summer.

The family wishes to extend a special note of appreciation to the nurses of Northern Montana Hospital's ICU unit. The caring and compassion they gave to Mom is a gift for which her daughters will be forever grateful. Her daughters are also deeply appreciative for the love and caring of Mom's dear friends, Helen and Bev.

Memorials may be directed to the Havre-Hill County Library or to the Dr. Harrison Lane Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University-Northern.