Alice Hegge

MISSOULA - Alice Jeanette Hegge, 96, of Missoula, passed away on Thursday, January. 22, 2009, at Community Medical Center after a brief illness.





She was born in Hamilton, on March 28, 1912, to Louis and Gertrude Stout. She worked various jobs as a youth to assist her large family as was customary in the early 1900s. During this time, she fondly remembered cooking at dude ranches in the Bitterroot, watching Eastern visitors trying to be Montana cowboys. She also enjoyed working many years at Anthonys retail store in Hamilton. She was proud of living her entire life in Montana and of her Bitterroot heritage.





She married Robert Sparks and they lived many years in Missoula before they separated. Alice never had children, however, she was a good mother raising her brother Lester’s son, William Stout, and her stepson, Thomas Sparks.





In 1956 she married Alden “Al” Hegge; they enjoyed 28 years of happiness until Al’s passing of a heart attack while on a fishing trip. They enjoyed their Eagles membership and being members of their championship drill team. Alice, fondly known as Aunt Sally to all family members, received several Senior Appreciation Awards for service to Senior Citizens.





In her later years after Al’s passing, she became a stalwart member of the Lolo Hayloft breakfast group and considered them best friends. This group and the Lolo Community Church congregation provided friendships and assistance which she greatly appreciated.





Living independently until she was 93 years old was a proud accomplishment for her. The move to Missoula Manor Homes came with apprehension, however, Manor personnel, assisted by a loving family, allowed her to continue independent living until her final days. She often stated how wonderful the staff and residents were and she would say “I love it here.”





In addition to her parents and husband Al, she was preceded in death by her five sisters, Ida, Edith, Amy, Faye and Pauline; four brothers, Herb, Arthur, Lester and Verne; her stepson, Thomas Sparks (Betty); and his son William Stout.





She is survived by nieces, Phyllis Langley, Janet Smith, Trudy Wells (Sonny); nephews, Dr. Fred Stout (Gayle), Kenneth Stout (Mary) and Lonnie Stout (Jerri); and many great- and great-great nieces and nephews, including great-niece Becky Hemphill (Joe); great-great niece Amanda (Ken); and great-great-great niece Makenna who Aunt Sally referred to as “Our Dolly” and who provided love and compassion in her final days.





A celebration of her life will be at 2 p.m. Monday, January. 26, at Missoula Manor homes at 909 W. Central Ave. in Missoula, with a reception following the service. Pastor Don Oberg will officiate. Alice has requested cremation, and her final resting will be with her husband Al in a private family gathering later this spring.





The family suggests memorials to Missoula Manor Endowment Fund and Lolo Community Church.
Read Alice Hegge's Obituary and Guestbook.