Marlene Rafferty

Marlene (Becker) Rafferty, 72, of Sun River, a homemaker and mother of five children, died Monday, December 2, 2013 at a local hospital.A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.Marlene was born May 14, 1941 in Great Falls to Leo and Mildred Milly Becker. She was raised and educated in Great Falls and graduated from Simms High School in 1959 after the family moved to Sun River. She married Terry D. Rafferty June 2, 1959 in Helena. He passed away on April 6, 2013. In 2000, Marlene moved to Sun River and ranched with her husband on their own piece of paradise. In 2004, Marlene and Terry started Raffertys Caf in Fort Shaw and they were well known for their homemade sweet rolls.She enjoyed gardening, craft painting, fishing, and camping. She was a good friend; a loving, caring mother and wife who loved spending time with her family and friends.The family would like to extend their appreciation to the Dialysis Unit and Benefis Hospital Staff for the care and comfort they provided to Marlene and her family.Marlene is survived by her sons, Dan (Sharon) Rafferty of Sacramento, CA and Dave (Mary) Rafferty of Spanaway, WA; her daughters, Shawn (Martin) Conroy of Helena, Sue (Andrew) Wilfong of Jacksonville, FL, and Lydia Johnson of Sun River; her sisters-in-law, Jeanne (Luvern) Gaffney of Renville, MN and Judi Rafferty of Cut Bank; 15 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and brother Donald Becker.Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.