Arlene M. Sparrow

Arlene M. Sparrow

Jan. 25, 1938 – Oct. 1, 2023

HELENA - Arlene M. Sparrow, 85, of Helena, passed away after a short but courageous battle with cancer on Sunday October 1, 2023.

Arlene was born on January 25, 1938, in Circle, MT, she was the second of two children of Melvin and Berdean McNett. She and her older sister Eunice spent their younger years in Wolf Point and later moved to Glasgow where she graduated high school in 1956. After graduating she married Gordon Pippin and together, they had three children, Gordi Ann, Allen and Fred. She later divorced and in 1969 she married Clayton Sparrow, from this marriage she gained two stepchildren, Tammy and Doug and together they had one son Richad. Arlene and Clayton lived in Glasgow, Great Falls and Butte, before finding their forever home in Helena.

Mom worked for the Dept. of Political Practices for the State of Montana for eight years. In 1984 she and Clayton purchased Central Valley Market. For 17 years Mom ran the mom-and-pop grocery store. During this time, she befriended all the valley locals and was known by all as "MOM." Especially with many of the ranchers, pre-order and delivery suppliers. After closing the store in 1999, she retired and was then able to enjoy her family and grandkids.

In her younger years, mom was a fierce competitor, she enjoyed playing soft ball, coaching and competing in o-Mok-See. Some of her hobbies included bowling leagues with the gals, ceramics, mowing acres of grass and wearing out every vacuum cleaner made. She and Clayton had many enjoyable motorcycle trips with their dear friends Don and Betty Didriksen. Many other favorite times were spent with special friends Barb and Dave Baum, Julie and Greg Eby and many others. Some of these adventures included dinner outings, dancing at the 4H community center, gambling trips, pinochle parties, and many other activities.

She was preceded in death by her lifelong partner Clayton who passed away in 2011, after 41 years of marriage; parents, Melvin McNett, Berdean McNett; sister, Eunice NeWell; and grandson, Kenny Pippin.

Arlene is survived by her children: Gordi Ann Pippin (Chuck), Allen Pippin, Fred (Tami) Pippin, Richard (Jenn) Sparrow, Tammy (Gary) Baxter and Doug Sparrow, Tracy (Nate) Halubka, David Tegg; grandchildren: Mandy, Wes Tegg, Nick (Melissa) Pippin, Chelsey (Adam) Hutchinson, Morgan (Blayne) Underdahl, Kase (Lauren) Sparrow, Jaden Sparrow, Mike (Amber) Jungers, Josh (Veronica) Jungers, Tara Jungers, Nathan Baxter, Austin Sparrow, Chance (Austen) Sparrow; and 19 great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mom will be greatly missed by all, especially those of us that loved to laugh, love, torment and tease with her.

A special thanks to Babe Smith, Dawn Thompson, Joyce Packard, Barb Baum and Julie Eby for all the phone calls and visits to mom over these last years.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.

Please visit www.bigskycremations.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Arlene.