Ada Pitman

Ada Heath Pitman, 95, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at Springmeadows Assisted Living in Bozeman, Montana. Born June 23, 1914 to George W. and Lura Ellen (Smith) Heath, Ada was the second youngest of eleven children. Originally from Somerset, Kentucky, Ada#8217;s parents moved to Montana just after the turn of the century. An outstanding rider, Ada enjoyed growing up on her family#8217;s ranch near Ringling, Montana. She is remembered for having helped her grand-daughter#8217;s family move cows, riding ten miles on horse-back after she was 80 years old! She attended school in Ringling, Montana, where she graduated valedictorian of her high-school class and where according to her she #8220;never lost a foot-race.#8221; Ada married Alvin George Pitman, her high school sweetheart, on August 28, 1933. Together the couple worked hard during the 1930#8217;s, 40#8217;s, 50#8217;s 60#8217;s farming ranching near Grass Range and Chinook, Montana while Alvin also worked as a telegraph operator for the railroad. Together they raised their four boys, Paul, George, Steve and Dan who were taught early on to work hard and to love their mother, and later their wife. Ada was widowed in 1970, and never remarried. Ada deeply loved the Lord (who was her rock), her family, her friends and God#8217;s servants. She enjoyed remarkably good health throughout her life, and although she outlived most of her family and the friends of her youth, she made friends of all ages. She loved people in general and had a kindred spirit. She showed wisdom in the advice she gave, frequently quoting the bible with which she was familiar. Her steadfast faith in God sustained her ( others) throughout her life-time. She was devoted to her children and grand-children who all loved her dearly. Ada is survived by her son Steve Pitman and his wife Billie (Billings, Montana), daughters-in-law, Luella Pitman (Roy, Montana), and Audrey Pitman (Hot Springs, South Dakota); eleven grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren, and countless dear friends, especially Eric and Marsha Fendler. Her family wishes to thank the staff at Springmeadows and Hospice for their wonderful care, and her friends, who visited her so often, and who were so kind, who served her and loved her, especially in her last years. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel. A visitation will be held from 1:00 #8211; 2:00 pm with the funeral services beginning at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Internment will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday May 3, 2010 at Central Montana Memorial Gardens in Lewistown, Montana.