Mary Margaret Leritz

Mary Margaret Leritz of Bozeman passed away on September 6, 2009 at the Gallatin Rest Home. Mary was born on July 1, 1912 to German immigrants Matt and Katherine (Stocker) Leritz in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. She spent a short time there before moving with the family to Minnesota where her father farmed and was an accomplished carpenter. Mary became a naturalized citizen after arriving in the U.S. She was the oldest of six children having 4 brothers and a sister. After graduating from grade school she moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, worked in a book publishing business for several years then returned to the family farm for 10 years. She moved to Butte, Montana in the mid 1950s and spent the rest of her career as a dental assistant for Dr. Ed Bartoletti, retiring in 1974. She moved to Belgrade, Montana for a period then to Bozeman where she spent many years caring for children who lived in her neighborhood. She loved to garden and had a special fondness for homegrown tomatoes that she faithfully grew every season. She also occupied her time reading, knitting, crocheting and loved to go for drives in her car. She was very generous and caring to family, friends and even people she did not know. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. A son Edward and wife, Marcia of Bozeman, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews survive her. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Battered Women#8217;s Network P.O. Box 752 Bozeman, Montana 59715. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is planned for a later date. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.