Sheila Alice Mather

Mom, aka Sheila Alice Mather, left ‘when the old man from the sky called her home.’  She left us on a beautiful winter day, complete with snowflakes falling from the sky that pillowed in wait of spring birth.   Mom was loved and cherished by so many.  She  would often referred to herself as a gypsy, unable to stay in one spot too long.  Her paths wandered here and there through the states but she knew every nook of Montana. There were few trails left unexplored.  People were drawn to her, so there were no strangers in her life.  They drew energy from her and she from the Mountains.  We loved hearing about her travels, people and conquers. These stories will last for generations.

Mom raised seven children and others dropped at her door step sometimes by complete strangers. She embraced the task with love, nourishment and guidance.   These children eventually traveled on with some never to be heard from and others staying in communication all her life.  It was not unusual for her to receive a telephone call from a child in the distant past grateful and thankful for her care.   People who met Sheila, knew her wit, strength, compassion and unpredictable nature of walking the line.  Often with one foot on each side.  She laughingly reminisced about the outlaws and the trails that few dared to charter, that she had.   

Mom believed in truth and approached life as such. She lived in simplicity of conveniences and would give away her materials that she used.  She explaining this by claiming the receiver needed it much more than she.  She would explain that all the materials or wares brought unnecessary clutter to life and this led to the distraction of peace.  She attracted many walks of life and would pass her wisdoms of life experience to those who asked.  She accepted all without judgment.    

This lady stood five-feet tall – maybe just a hair under per her words – we kids learned early and respected her rules.  Those who crossed her, learned quickly.  A point of her finger and the flashes in her eyes meant business.  

Mom was strong, proud and stubborn – all of which helped her with success.  She worked very hard to support her family.  She co-owned and worked a dude ranch in Alberton. She loved to cook and this brought success to her several restaurants: Arena Café in Pasco, Wash., High County Café, Ronan and the Snow Slip in Glacier Park.

Mom loved and respected our planet and Mother Nature.   She drew energy and peace from the mountains, rivers and trees.   She reveled in awe at the perfection of it all. She explained the harmony of all seasons brought forth individual challenges, dangerous and joyous.  Each depends on the other.  This as well belongs to birth, life and death.  

Mom, we love, honor, and respect you.   We will carry and you in our hearts and soul.

We will utilize your wisdom and continue your compassion, empathy, respect and honor the harmony of all.  You leave us with many memories and are in awe of it all. Happy Trails!  We will meet in perfect time.

Friends, family, please join us in laughter and conversations of this wonderful life. A celebration of Sheila Poitras Mathers life will be held at  Valley Club Bar this Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 4 p.m.