Ada Halpin Mathews

BRIDGER - Ada Halpin Mathews, 97, of Bridger, formerly of Red Lodge, died peacefully in her sleep early Tuesday morning, Nov. 2, 2004.
Ada was born in Red Lodge on Feb. 19, 1907, one of 12 children born to William David and Cora Mae Cunningham. She was raised and educated in Red Lodge, graduating from Carbon County High School in 1926.
On Dec. 1, 1928, she married Arthur A. Halpin in Columbus. They lived in the Red Lodge area, where they ranched and raised their two sons, Arthur and Robert. During the winters, Mr. Halpin worked in the mines. He was killed in the Smith Mine Disaster in 1943.
Ada worked at the Natali Café, and later was employed as a dental assistant for Dr. Fred Schwin for 35 years. On Oct. 30, 1951, Ada married John (Rusty) Mathews. He died in 1966.
Ada was a charter member of the Benevolent and Patriotic Order of Does, Drove #179, and was an active member and Past Worthy Matron of the Venus Chapter #32, Order of the Eastern Star, both of Red Lodge. She also participated in the Scottish food program at the Festival of Nations for several years. Ada's life centered on her family, and she loved to cook and bake.
In addition to her two spouses, Ada was preceded in death by her son Robert in 1998; her daughter-in-law Dora Halpin in 1992; and her 11 siblings.
Survivors include her son, Arthur Halpin of Bridger; daughter-in-law Kathleen Halpin of Billings; daughter of her heart, Pat (Jack) Steinmasel of Red Lodge; eight grandchildren, Cindy (Paul) Beaudean of Colorado Springs, Colo., Linda (Rick) Pitts of Lockwood, Andrea Dee Halpin of Red Lodge, Trent (Amy) Halpin of Boise, Idaho, Roberta (Mike) Gerondale of Phoenix, Pamela (John) Montchalin of LaPine, Ore., Patrick (Yvonne) Halpin of Billings and Janice (Scott) Billington of Helena; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, including a special grandniece, Teri Zook.
Graveside memorial services in the Red Lodge Cemetery will be announced at a later date. Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel of Red Lodge was in charge of cremation. Memorials may be given to the charity of one's choice.