Mary Elizabeth Delka

On Dec. 16, 2013, Mary Elizabeth Delka, 70, made her peaceful journey into heaven in Missoula. Mom fought courageously after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's only two years ago. She was born Dec. 21, 1942, to Kors and Gertrude Lockwood in Salt Lake City.

Her parents and our dad, Don Delka, preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother Adrian Lockwood and her sons David Delka (Teresa) and Daniel Delka (Betsy), all of Salt Lake City. She is also survived by her daughter Debi Turner (Michael) of Missoula. Her grandchildren, whom she loved very much, are Joseph, Jacqueline, Samuel (Courtney), Cathryn, Barry, Ben and Noah, all of Salt Lake City; and Teagen and Alison Turner of Missoula. Her great grand-children are Brenton, Zachary and Kylie of Salt Lake City.

Mom spent her entire childhood in Salt Lake City, graduating from Granite High School. She and Don were married May 25, 1960, and moved their family to Boulder, Colo., in 1964. In 1977 they moved to Helena. She resided there until June 2012 when she came to Missoula so her daughter could help care for her.

Mary was a homemaker most of her life. She became a professional seamstress and worked from home. She specialized in wedding dress attire and could create anything she was asked to. She was "The Avon Lady" for more than 20 years. She loved anything that had to do with crafts. She made beautiful ceramics and loved to do the most difficult cross-stitch projects she could find.

Mom was very active within her church and had an abundance of friendships that were built there. Her love for God was the most important thing in her life and she lived it. She was very compassionate and always found ways to help anyone in need. Because of these friendships, she was able to stay in Helena as long as she did. Her friends took care of her until her move to Missoula. We can't thank her friends enough for being her family when she needed them.

We would like to especially thank Tom and Paula Banks of Helena, Karrie and the staff at Missoula Health and Rehabilitation and Hospice of Missoula for helping mom with her journey.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Jan. 9, at 1 p.m. at Neighboorhood Assembly of God, 725 Granite, in Helena.

Mary will be greatly missed by all who love her, but this is only temporary as she is now in the arms of Jesus and we will see her again in heaven

Read Mary Delka's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.