Edna Audrey Alford

Hamilton - Edna Audrey Alford, 95 of Hamilton passed peacefully in her sleep Saturday, January 7, 2011 at The Discovery Day Care Center. She was born Sept. 20, 1916 in Holtville, CA. Daughter of the late Charles Field and Jenniva Ella (Sutton) Harper. At age three the Harper family moved to Ramona, CA. Edna married her late husband, Arthur Freeman Alford, Sr. after finishing High School. They then moved to Mesa Grande, onto "Art's" family ranch and started their family, eventually buying the brothers out. In those early days, Edna worked beside her husband, sometimes in the field but mostly her joy came in raising her two children, her house and cooking for Art and the hired men. Her favorite past time was hunting arrowheads, until she had grandchildren. She would still hunt for arrowheads, but her greatest passion in life were her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. All of which were so blessed to have her unconditional love. Some days she would have 9 grandchildren at once. Weather it be playing "hide and seek", "hold up", or reading a classic bed time stories "but differnt!", her patients was remarkable. When Art passed in 1970, Edna moved to Palm Dessert. She worked for Chalfant Communications as a secretary/book keeper. In 1976, in the true spirit of the pioneer women she was, she picked up and moved to Montana, following her best friend in life Alene Alford. In her later years she would fondly reminisce working for the Ford family at their store in Hamilton. They were like family to her. She took to working crossword puzzles, reading Louis l'amour, and feverishly discussing politics. Randy Brown was her favorite for the latter two, probably because they agreed with each other.

Edna is survived by her Sister Jenneva Matthew of Ramona CA. Son Auther Alford of Mesa Grande, Ca. Granddaughters were: Lorri (Pepper) Beshara of Bellingham, WA. Husband Edmone. Their two sons; Brandon and Cameron. Denise (Alford) Shadle of Fallbrook, CA. Husband Steve, Their daughters, Leah and Paige, her daughter Kaelyn. Joni Pepper of Loveland, CO and son Ryan of San Diego, CA. Julie Pepper of Hamilton Mt. her three children: Jacob McClaran and Charla Sarchette of Corvallis, MT, there daughter Cadence. Laci McClaran of Missoula, MT. and Ivy McClaran of San Diego, CA. Grandsons were: Mike Pepper of Vancover, WA. and his daughter Ayla. Arthur Alford III (Tack), of Corvallis, MT. Wife Amy. Their two sons Tanner and Isaac.

Preceded in death by her husband Art Alford, Daughter, Sisers: Virgina (Jean), Elizabeth (Bessie), Warren, Janneva (Nemie). Daughter: Judy (Alford) Yeo, Grandson, David Pepper, Granddaughter Lynette Alford and best friend Alene Alford.

Family suggests memorials be made to: Hamilton Volunteer Fire Dept. 223 S 3rd Hamilton, MT 59840. Discovery Care Center 601 N 10th Hamilton, MT 59840. Autumn House 1186 Eastside Hwy Corvallis, MT 59828, or Bitter Root Humane Association P.O. Box 57 Hamilton, MT