Martha Estella Else

Hamilton - Martha Estella Else, 98, went to be with Jesus on December 11, 2009 at the Discovery Care Centre. She was born on September 3, 1911 to Michael and Anola Smyth in Blaine, Washington.
She was raised and educated in Anaconda where she later worked at the J.C. Penney store. On June 24, 1931 she married George W. Else in Wisdom. The couple made their living ranching in the Big Hole Basin and later in the Bitterroot Valley until retirement. Stella rustled up many a good meal for the haying and branding crews. She always had a beautiful rose garden wherever she lived.
Stella was a very active member of the Charlos Heights Community Church where she was a Sunday School teacher for many years. She loved to sing hymns and even in her later years could be heard singing at the nursing home. Grandma was always ready with fresh baked cookies and hot cocoa for the grandkids.
Stella was preceded in death by her husband George W. Else in 1987, son, Kenneth Weldon Else, and a son who died in infancy and granddaughter-in-law, Martha Crawford Else as well as her 7 sisters and 2 brothers.
She is survived by her son George Gerald Else, 8 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren.