AnnMarie Carter, 68, loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, at her home in Seeley Lake. Her passing was sudden and unexpected due to natural causes.
She was born in Butte, Mont., on March 31, 1946, to Stephen and Ruby Lockmer. She graduated from Butte High in the Class of ’64 and soon after married Gary Carter and moved to Missoula to start a family. They were happily married nearly 39 years until Gary passed away in 2003.
AnnMarie dedicated her life to being a wife and mother to her husband and four sons. She “officiated” fun-filled birthdays for her boys until they moved out on their own. She spent hundreds of weekends camping with the family on Flathead Lake and later in Seeley Lake, always bringing a good story to the campfire.
Mom was always there for the little things and the big things throughout our lives, always giving comfort and advice, whether we wanted to hear it or not. Her opinions on girlfriends and wives were helpful in building strong families around her sons. She was always one to offer prayers for anyone’s needs, even if she did not know them personally.
AnnMarie had a very generous spirit and gave to dozens of charities and organizations to help others in need. She gave up her time and love to anyone that needed it.
One of mom’s greatest gifts was her ability to write a poem about everything and anything happening in her life. She would write poems on a daily basis about simple things like the sunshine or the water or even just a bug crawling by. Her poems will be remembered forever in our hearts as they captured images and thoughts of the better things in life and always ended with a positive message.
The last several years of her life were shared with Bruce Vasko, enjoying each other’s companionship and helping one another through life’s challenges and adventures.
Her faith in God and the knowledge of eternal life in Heaven gave her strength throughout life’s many challenges. She was a devoted Christian and enjoyed sharing her faith with others.
AnnMarie is survived by her four sons, Todd; Randy and his wife, Colleen and his children, Jake and Michelle; Gary and his wife, Jennifer and children, Jordan and Sabrina; Lee and his wife, Crystal and their son, Richard; her brother, Wally Lockmer; and sisters, Carol Fowler and Linda Chapin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Seeley Lake Baptist Church with a reception to follow.
The family suggests that memorials be made to Faith Chapel, P.O. Box 243, Seeley Lake, Mont., 59868.
Loyd Rowe
Dear sweet Ann Marie. I remember her and her sisters as we grew up and had adventures in and around Silver St. We once climbed Big Butte together to see the "M". Even thought we were not that close in high school, she always had a place in my heart. May she sleep in Jesus until the return.
Carol Worcester (Cavanaugh)
Ann Marie was one of my favorite McKinley class mates.I lived on Copper a couple of blocks away from Ann Maries home . We played together as children. She was always very kindhearted and thoughtful and adorable.I felt a connection with her because her brother was the oldest with three sisters ,middle one Carol , Same as my family. I had a nice visit with Ann Marie at her home at Seeley lake a few years ago and spent some time with her at our last reunion , I am happy for that,but sad that we will not have more time together.Carol Worcester
Karen Stewart (Dimmitt)
So sad about Anne Marie. We were friends since kindergarden. Some of our adventures included Mckinley schopll, Blue Birds, Campfire girls, camp at Georgetown, Jobs Daughters. She was beautiful at our class reinion last dummer. Heartfelt sympathy to all who loved her.
Carol Merrett (Gilbert)
I am so sorry and so surprised to learn of Ann Marie's sudden passing. I had a wonderful conversation with her at the Reunion. I didn't know her well in school, but over the past reunions, I found her to be a lovely woman and a sister in Christ, and I enjoyed the time we spent together. I rejoice that she is home with the Lord, but I mourn her passing. In Sympathy, Carol GilbertJack Potter
SO SORRY TO READ THAT ANOTHER COMMRADE IS TAKEN AWAY. HAVE SOME GOOD MEMORIES ABOUT VISITING HER AND HER SISTERS AT THEIR HOME. SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY I VIVITED WITH HER AT THE REUNION.MY SORROWS GO OUT TO HER FAMILY.
Vivienne Thereault (Haacke)
I am saddened at the passing of Ann Marie Lockmer Carter. She was a lovely girl in high school. Seeing her at the reunion this last summer, she had changed very little in all those years We spent time getting reacquainted and I took a few pictures, which now are treasured. May her family find peace in having to go on without her.