Sweet Loretta Martin, get back to where you once belong, sang John Lennon. And, alas, it has come to pass. Sweet Loretta, age 93, is back with the Stidolph family where she once belonged.
Born Loretta Cathreen Stidolph on Nov. 1, 1927, she joined five brothers, Bob, Art, Dennis Frank and Lawrence, at the family home near Whitewater, Mont. Her parents, Edward A. and Elizabeth C. (Ziehl) Stidolph went on to have a seventh child, son Fredrick, born Feb. 2, 1931. But, sorrowfully, just three weeks later Elizabeth passed from tuberculosis with Freddy joining her at seven weeks old.
Despite having suffered this tragic loss, Ted raised her with the help of her five older brothers until the age of eight when he decided Loretta needed a woman’s touch. She was sent to live with Fred and Nettie Kroeger in the University District of Seattle, Wash. Living in an apartment overlooking a lift bridge allowing ships to pass through, Loretta recalled picking string beans on the outskirts of Seattle for work as a teenager. She attended Lincoln High School until she returned to her father’s care in her late teens.
After attending beauty college in North Dakota, she came to Wolf Point, meeting and marrying Gene Martin April 17, 1948, at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Their business partnership, The Wolf Point Saddlery, ran from 1948 through 2004. Four children resulted from this union, Joanne, Allen, Larry and Randy. All of whom survive today. She is survived by eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was the last surviving child of Ted and Elizabeth Stidolph, having been preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and husband, Gene.
A viewing will be held Friday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel, 102 Custer St., Wolf Point, Mont. Services will be Saturday, Aug. 7, at 1 p.m., also at the chapel with interment at Greenwood Cemetery to follow. A reception will follow graveside services at the First Presbyterian Church, 400 Custer St., Wolf Point.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Viewing
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday August 6, 2021
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday August 7, 2021
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Viewing
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday August 6, 2021
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday August 7, 2021
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Karel Lynn Schutt says
I am so sorry to hear about Loretta. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. No matter what their age, no one is really ready to lose a mother or grandmother.
Danna Martin Maldonado says
So sorry to hear of Loretta’s passing.I sure remember the good ol days of Gene and Loretta in the store and the beautiful smell of leather.Loretta was always so nice to visit with.Our condolences to the family
Laurie Suppes says
My thoughts & prayers are with all of Loretta’s family. She was a wonderful women who had a huge influence on the Wolf Point community.
Pauline Azure-Feuvray says
May Loretta meet her husband, friends and family members and have a great reunion.
Darlyn Grainger says
Condolences to all of the Martin Families. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dale Stensland says
Condolences to The family, Randy.
Loretta was always a friendly face at the Saddlery, we talked a lot about Many thing’s! She was a special Lady! Dale s.
Cissy Eagleman says
I remember Miss Loretta when I was a little girl. She was the sweetest lady, always smiling. The Saddle Shop was my favorite place to go when we would all come into town. She & Gene were quite the couple…Soul Mates if you will.
Loretta’s life journey has been completed and she, I believe now rests in the arms of the Lord.
Thoughts & prayers for her family, friends and all that knew her.
God blessed me the first day I got to meet Loretta and Gene.
Now Miss Loretta & Gene have been reunited…what a wonderful reunion that must have been. I know that heaven is still rejoicing her arrival as they are Gene’s arrival.
Dale Buckles says
My condolences 💐 to the entire Martin family.
Jean Archdale says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Martin family, they were always so kind to our family growing up, never questioned if we didnt have the money for the boots or something else that Jerry needed, always let us make payments. Loretta knew all the old stories which i loved hearing while Jerry would go sit down beside Gene and watch him fix or make something. I am sure she was welcomed and was greeted by Gene waiting for her. She was one amazing little lady and we loved her
Kathy (Mickolio) Manders says
Condolences to the Martin family. I loved walking into the store with the leather smell and the beautiful saddles! Made me wish we had a horse on our farm! Gene and Loretta were so kind to people – their memory will live in the hearts of those they touched. Peace of Christ –
Barbara Perry says
R.I.P Loretta. You and Gene were the best landlords ever. We enjoyed out time there. It was so much fun watching all the cowboys come and hone up their skills in the arena. Gene made many things for us. You will be missed by your family.
Melissa Szymanski Reum says
Condolences to the family
Phyllis Iwen Torpy says
Heaven has gotten a “real” Cowgirl for sure. She was always so fun when we as kids went in the Saddlery. Kind thoughts of her will always be there.
Warren Crowe says
Thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the Martin Family.
Kathryn Stidolph Swenson says
My condolences to the Martin family. May God give you peace during your grieving time.
I will always treasure My Aunti Loretta. There were many special times when us Stidolphs would go to Wolf Point to visit.
She was a hard working lady with a big heart.
Warm hugs & much love,
Kathy Stidolph Swenson
Paul & Laurel Schultes says
So many wonderful memories of both Gene and Loretta at the Saddle shop and roping arena. Loretta was soft spoken and always had her sweet smile and loved to visit whenever you were in the store. We send our thoughts and prayers to all of her family as we will not be able to make it over for the funeral. Blessings to all her family. Paul & Laurel Schultes
Vivian Wall says
I was sorry to see this about Loretta. She will be missed. Our condolences to the entire Martin family, but especially to Larry, my WPHS and Frontier School classmate. It is so hard to say “bye for now” to a Mother! Indeed, our times are in His Hands, and there is a much better home waiting in heaven. John 1:12, John 14 We both remember the Saddlery, and enjoyed Loretta while we were able to sing at church services at Faith Home. Dwaine & Vivian Wall
Donna Mann says
My condolences to Loretta’s family and friends. Loretta was the nicest lady and business owner for so many years, plus helping out with the Cowboy Palace. Her smile will be missed by anyone who ever met her. RIP Loretta
Gary Broker says
Condolences to the Martin Family. Bev and have fond memories of visits to Wolf Point. Although we have not kept in touch we fell the loss of a warm, kind Hard working lady who we both admired and respected
Peggy Johnson Tolan says
So sorry to hear about Loretta. Condolences to the Martin family. May her memories bring you comfort and peace.
Art Loendorf says
to Lorettas family
I am sorry to hear about you mothers passing
I can still picture her working in the Saddlery
She was a very nice LADY
Larry I would like to visit with you either email or call 406-672-3556
looking forward to hearing from you