Mamie Parpart, 91

Mamie Anderson Parpart was born in 1934, the youngest of nine children, to Arthur and Ebba Anderson. She lost her father at the tender age of two and was raised by her mother on the family farm in Antelope, Montana during the Great Depression. Those early years shaped Mamie’s character and values, teaching her strength, perseverance, frugality, thoughtful planning for the future, gratitude, and a steadfastly positive outlook that guided her throughout her life.

Mamie married a boy from a neighboring farm, Ed Parpart. Their first date took place when Ed graduated from high school and Mamie graduated from eighth grade. They married before Mamie’s senior year when Ed joined the United States Air Force. After graduating from high school and cheering on her classmates as a cheerleader, Mamie headed to Texas to be with Ed and started working at Montgomery Ward. 

In 1957, Mamie and Ed moved to Columbia Falls with their first daughter, Leslie, so Ed could begin working at the Aluminum Plant. They built their first home and later welcomed their second daughter, Lori. When Lori began school, Mamie returned to work at Montgomery Ward in Kalispell, 

The family later moved to Jensen Road, where they built their second home and welcomed their third daughter, Lisa. At six months Lisa became ill and was later diagnosed with encephalitis. This profoundly changed Mamie’s life and purpose, leading her to become a devoted advocate not only for Lisa, but for many children with special needs in the community. 

In 1980, Mamie lost her husband, Ed, at the age of 46 suddenly becoming the head of household. In both name and spirit, she stepped into the role of matriarch, meeting this responsibility with strength and determination. Her independence and problem-solving abilities grew during this time, qualities that would define her for the rest of her life. 

Mamie began by personally driving Lisa and other special needs children to Kalispell in her own vehicle. Her dedication grew into a larger role when she began driving the school bus for special needs students. She was instrumental in helping establish the first self-contained special needs classroom in the Flathead Valley. As Lisa got older Mamie crafted her schedule around drives to visit Lisa.   

For many years, Mamie served as the secretary at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Mamie also drove bus for Columbia Falls school activities. Deeply community oriented, she also served as treasurer for the Klothes Kloset, WELCA, and the Senior Center, giving generously of her time and talents. 

After the passing of her daughter Lisa, Mamie challenged herself to stay engaged and active. She took up bridge, forming many close friendships and finding great joy in the game. She was still playing bridge just weeks before her passing. 

Despite enduring the heartbreaking loss of her husband, a child, and a grandchild, Mamie never lost her faith in God, her zest for life, or her positive and passionate spirit. 

Some of Mamie’s most cherished moments were spent with her grandchildren Brian, Brie, Scott, and Derek. When they were young, Mamie delighted in time spent together, creating memories that each would carry forward in their own way. One of her favorite routines was picking up Scott and heading to Mackenzie River for lodgepoles, a simple joy she treasured. 

When daughter Leslie and her family moved in next door, Mamie’s grandchildren Brian and Brie were often seen running up the hill to Grandma’s house—a tradition later lovingly passed on to Brian’s children, who would run up the hill to visit Gigi whenever they were at Grandma and Grandpa’s. 

Mamie was known within her family as a card shark and a fiercely competitive player in Uno, Farkle, Yahtzee or any dice game. She lovingly passed down her talents for baking and making lefse, ensuring these traditions would continue through future generations. 

Mamie shared a remarkable 65-year friendship with Dolores Sanders. In 1985, Dave and Dolores invited Mamie to Hawaii, sparking a deep love for the islands. Mamie returned many times to visit Dave and Dolores during vacation with her daughters Leslie and Lori and their families, creating a Parpart family tradition that continues today. 

Mamie was preceded in death by her husband, Ed; her daughter, Lisa; her grandson, Derek; and all of her siblings. 

She is survived by her daughter Lori and her husband Eric, and son Scott; her daughter Leslie and her husband Bill; granddaughter BrieAnna; grandson Brian and his wife Nicole; and great-grandchildren Maielle, Renner, Remy, and Nina. 

Mamie’s life was one of faith, service, resilience, and love. Her legacy lives on through her family, her community, and the countless lives she touched with her generosity and compassion. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church-WELCA.  Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls, Monday Dec. 29, 2025 with reception to follow.  Columbia Mortuary is caring for the family.