Marriette "Mike" Louise Moore
Jun 15, 1931 -
Nov 25, 2022
Mike was born to William and Ethel Lehman in Fort Benton, Mont. She grew up on a ranch in the Highwood mountains along with five siblings including a twin sister, Harriette "Pat." All of the kids grew up doing farm chores and working in the fields. For fun they swam in the creek - pronounced crick thereabouts - went to dances, participated in sports and played card games.
When Mike's oldest sister, Betty, became a sophomore, Betty was put in charge of her sisters and youngest brother in Highwood town where they stayed to attend school. Mike's graduating class was very small. Mike and her sister, Marge, were cheerleaders as well as players on the girls' basketball team. Her love of sports remained as she watched her daughters' and grandchildren's various activities.
Mike married Jim Moore in 1953. Jim was from nearby Belt, Mont., but was based in Anchorage, Alaska, with the USAF. They honeymooned in Glacier National Park and then headed up the Alcan Highway to Alaska. Their first child, Debbie, was born a year later. The family lived on caribou and cabbage that first year. Thereafter they much preferred moose!
The year that Alaska became a state, 1959, the Moore's celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Julie. Mike loved Alaska but never lost her love of Montana. She was most always a working mom but as often as affordable, the family would visit Montana. On the ranch her daughters reveled in the farmyard experiences. Almost every time there was a group of four, a pinochle game broke out. Many great stories and giggles were shared whenever Mike's family was together.
Mike and Jim loved vacationing after they retired. There were still trips back to Montana plus England, the Virgin Islands, Mexico and especially Hawaii. Salmon fishing was also a favorite activity. Traveling and fishing eventually became impossible but they still enjoyed playing cards and going to wine tastings for many years. They had wonderful caregivers in recent years enabling them to pass in their own home. They lovingly called her "Mikey" and treated her like a grandmother. The entire Moore family gives our thanks.
Mike was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, William and Donald Lehman; and sisters, Marge Walker and Pat Ehnes Ray. For one week Mike was survived by her husband, Jim. She is survived by her sister, Betty Bowman; daughters, Debbie Parks and Julie Haacke (Paul); grandchildren, Brice Parks, Lyle Parks (Candice), Reece Parks, Brittany Beamer and Tyson Beamer; and great-grandchildren, Logynn Parks and Ryleigh Parks.
A memorial will be held at the Bayshore Clubhouse on Feb. 26, 2023, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Please direct any donations to your favorite charity or church.
