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 Montana, 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 8 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 & Dave Baum, Julie & 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.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Reader Interactions
Memories
Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.
Phylis Shanahan says
I’m so sad to hear this. I’m so going to miss her. My thoughts and prayers for you all. Good by my friend till we meet again.
Denise Howard says
My deepest condolences to the family. Auntie Arlene will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She, along with my Mom, got me into ceramics and we spent so many hours together creating our masterpieces, playing cards, dinners. My thoughts and prayers to the family. She is reunited with Unc!
Denise Howard says
My deepest condolences to the family. Arlene was such an incredible person and all who knew her loved her. She, along with my Mom, got me and Brett into ceramics and the 4 of us spent many wonderful hours creating our masterpieces, playing pinochle and 31, and the occasional dinner in years past. I never knew anyone else who washed their dishes prior to putting them in the dishwasher or who vacuumed as much as Arlene did. I knew Arlene, Gordi, Alan, and Fred in Glasgow years before she met and married Uncle Clayton, became my aunt and a wonderful part of the family. My thoughts and prayers to the family. We love you!
Kristina Blomquist says
Sorry to hear this she was such a sweet lady.
Dan and Lonnie Collings says
So sorry for your loss. Arlene was one special person. She always made Dan and I laugh. She will be missed by all. Prayers to all of you. She is at peace now.
Tim and Jan Cameron says
My deepest condolences to family.