Marlene May (Friske) Rule passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 27th in Butte. Born on May 20, 1935 in Polson Montana to Herbert and Violet Friske she joined her brothers Gerald and Donald. Mom followed her family throughout Montana graduating high school in Sunburst Montana. While living in Billings she met Clarence Rule and from that marriage Mark, Maxwell, Carrie were born, and twin daughters who passed at birth.
Moving to Butte in 1967 Mom began work for Petrolane Gas in Butte as the office manager. She was recognized twice as one of the nation’s top office managers traveling to Long Beach, CA for award ceremonies. Mom, the dedicated mother always made sure we looked presentable. As kids we were not allowed to make our beds since we didn’t do it properly. Did Mom spoil us, absolutely. She taught us honesty, respect and manners.
Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1991 she never let it change her outlook on life even as the progression of the disease confined her to a wheelchair. Retiring from Northwestern Energy she settled in Helena to be close to Carrie. With the progression of her MS she moved to Butte on December 3, 2013 and resided at Beehive Homes until her passing. She touched many lives with her unwavering spirit and zest for living.
Preceding her in passing were her parents and brothers, Gerald and Donald.
She is survived by her children, Mark and Shirley Rule of Butte, Maxwell and Carol Sue Rule of Juneau Alaska, and Carrie Rule Stewart of Helena; 8 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. In lieu of services her ashes will be laid to rest with her parents in Polson, MT at a later date.
Our family cannot express our appreciation enough to Aaron and Janelle Hildreth and the sta3 of Beehive Homes for their care and friendship to our mother. Donations are requested to Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090 or a charity of donor’s choice
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Marlene.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services is privileged to care for Marlene and her family.
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Service Schedule
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Fran Warner says
What an honor and privilege it was to know your mother for the past 12 years. She was an amazing woman, with all that she went through in life and never complained except about her food.
I picture her playing Ship Captain and Crew with my sister Delores in heaven.
So sorry for your loss.
Patti Hepola says
Mark & your siblings. So sorry to hear about your mom. She must have been a gem just by getting to know you. Sending you a big hug.
Karen Laborda says
I met your mom while visiting my mom, Helen l at the Beehive. She was so sweet and I told her she had such beautiful blue eyes. May she rest easy. Prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Barb Clark says
I so enjoyed the visits with your mom at the Beehive. I will truly miss visiting with her.
Charlene Warren says
Mark…so sorry to read of your mom’s passing.
Charlene Messick Warren.
Darssa Sutherland says
I took care of miss marlene and shes an amazing spit fite spirit with a heart of gold! She always had to debate with me on many things but she always made a great point. Fly high beautiful yoy earned those wings! Ill see you again
ron kindred says
Mark and family,I had the pleasure of getting to know Marlene at the Bee-Hive while my mom Mrs. Kindred was there. What a fantastic lady she was !! I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss my chats with her.
Cindy Atcheson says
Mark & Shirley Sorry for your lose she sounded like a wonderful mom
Jack & Cindy Atcheson
Kim Osier says
So sorry to year of your loss Mark. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Bob & Kim Osier
Kimmie says
Working night shifts at Beehive has been something I have been doing for the last 8 years and the last 5 years were spent in house 2 with Marlene. She was such a sincere caring person and made us staff so feel special whether we needed a good talking to or just simply called in her room m to tell us thank you for something we look at is part of our job but Marlene looked at it at very grateful She is soo missed and will be missed. With out her presence there. Has been very somber. Rest in peace Marlene. We will always keep your memory alive. ❤️
Deepest Sympathy to the family.
Kimberly Kopp.
Emily gutshall says
Marlene made me feel welcome from the very first day working there, she was the sweetest person you could ever meet, it was always a blessing to see her, we’d always have conversations in the morning before I leave for the day, it will never be the same without her there, I’m sorry for your loss we will all truly miss her.
Kenzie says
I had the pleasure to get to know Marlene very well and she became a very good friend while I cared for her, even after quitting I would still try to go on and visit and do her nails as frequently as I was able. I miss her dearly already and I’m very sorry for your loss Max, Mark,Carrie and extended fanily members. Marlene was a good listener and gave me plenty of advice, May she rest in Peace.-M.A.
Bethani Clairmont says
Getting Marlene up and helping her get ready for the last couple of months I got to know her pretty well. We would talk about the things going on in the world and how much she loved and missed her family. She told me how proud of each of them she was and getting to know them I see why. Marlene was a caring and kind person but she wasn’t afraid to correct you if you deserved it. She was a force to be reckoned with when it came to anything she didn’t think was acceptable. Marlene was the reason for some many things being the way they were around House 2. Without her there has been a huge shift as all of the staff and residents, who loved her as part of their own family, mourning their loss. I want to give you all my condolences and that I truly know your mother will be missed every day. You guys will all always be a part of the Beehive Family.