Mary Ann Hartman

Mary Ann Hartman, loving wife, mother and grandmother, went home to be with our Lord on Oct. 6, 2008, at the age of 66, after a four-year battle with cancer.

Mary Ann was born Oct. 24, 1941, to Rachael and Hjalmer Frostad in Powers Lake, N.D. She was raised on her parent's farm near her hometown of Tioga, N.D., where she graduated from Tioga High School.

Shortly after graduating, Mary Ann and Charles Hartman were married on Sept. 30, 1961. After several years and two children, they moved to Whitefish in 1969. It soon became evident that this is where they would settle in and build the rest of their family.

Now with four children, Mary Ann was entirely devoted to being a fun-loving mom. As her children grew up she not only taught them, but spent endless hours in the yard playing volleyball, badminton, croquet and frisbee. During the winter months she loved to spend family time cross-country skiing, sledding and playing board games and card games that often lasted late into the night.

Her first bout with cancer began in 1975 in the form of breast cancer. After overcoming it for nearly 30 years, the cancer returned in 2004. Mary Ann's final months were spent enjoying every minute possible with her husband, children and grandchildren. Her joy was brilliant and her smile was unstoppable, even when looking into many caring faces that held tears. Her tremendous faith and strength will never be forgotten.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her daughter Charlyn Hartman; father Hjamler Frostad; and mother Rachael Frostad.

She is survived by her husband Charles Hartman, of Whitefish; son Greg Hartman, of Littleton, Colo.; daughter Shelley Kellam, of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; son Garren Hartman, of Whitefish; and seven grandchildren.

A celebration of Mary Ann's life will be held Friday, Oct. 10, 2008, starting at 11 a.m. at the Whitefish Assembly of God on Karrow Avenue. A lunch will follow at the Moose Lodge.

Family donations can be made to Charles Hartman, which then will be given to a charitable organization yet to be determined.