Rosemarie Bertoglio, age 91 of Helena

He called his Rosie home.

After a long and beautiful life, Rosemarie passed away at the age of 91, surrounded by her family.

Rose was born on September 12, 1934, in Anaconda, Montana, to Frank Marron and Molly Devine. She was the older sister of Charles Marron.

She attended Anaconda Central for elementary school. The family moved to Deer Lodge during her freshman year of high school, where she graduated from Powell County High School in 1952. In 1953, Rose was one of the first women to pursue a career in nursing at Carroll College. She was a member of the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a group of women who worked to promote holiness by following Mary’s example every day.

After graduation, Rose went on to work as a nurse at St. James in Butte, Montana. While visiting her parents in Deer Lodge, her life changed forever when a freak accident forced her to seek medical attention from the new doctor in town. Also a Carroll College graduate, Francis “Doc” Lee Bertoglio was a kind, devout man who quickly became enamored with Rosie. A few days after her medical visit, he stopped by her family’s grocery store to “assess her recovery.” The two were married in Deer Lodge on December 29, 1956, and shared 53 years of marriage. A few months before Lee’s passing, while Rose was away visiting grandkids, Lisa (daughter) said Dad would repeatedly state, “I just want to see my Rosie walk through that door.”

As the wife of a small-town doctor, she managed the home and cared for six children. Her “look” kept six busy children in line. Despite preparing countless meals a day, cleaning the house, and tending to infinite other tasks, there was always a homemade treat waiting for the kids after school. Between weekends skiing at Discovery and cooking for her children and their friends at the cabin on Seeley Lake, life was vibrant and beautifully chaotic. Although she was always busy taking care of others, she was never too busy to sit down and play games with her children—her pride and joy. Before she died, she remarked that her legacy was not her career, but her children.

Rose served as an organist for the 8:30 a.m. Mass at Immaculate Conception Parish and for sing-alongs during the holidays. Many knew her for her cinnamon rolls and potato rolls, which she made for church functions. Rose was also an active member of the Powell County Hospital Auxiliary Foundation, where she raised money, particularly through her famous football pool. When all the kids were older, she continued her nursing career at the Powell County Hospital and Deer Lodge Clinic.

Known for her sharp wit and quippy personality, Rose kept everyone on their toes. Whether it was a “friendly” game of pinochle or a “quiet” morning at Seeley Lake, there was never a dull moment with her. Her blunt attitude and humor spiced up many family dinners, to the delight (and occasionally chagrin) of her family and friends (and her family’s friends). Her children and grandchildren can still echo the way she called for her “Lee.”

While at Touchmark, she continued to play a mean game of bridge and enjoy Thirsty Thursdays with her “visiting angels.” She remained an avid sports enthusiast throughout her life. Whether it was golf, football, or basketball, she was always watching a game. Yet every March Madness, she would choose the Gonzaga Bulldogs to win—and lament it every time. Until the very end, she was a Saints fan. She even got to attend her final Sunday Mass (Palm Sunday) and receive the Anointing of the Sick at Carroll College’s All Saints Chapel.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother, Charles.

She is survived by her children: Maria; Paul (Jackie); Lisa (John); Gina (Joey); Mark (Sandra); and Marta (Joe); grandchildren: Amie, Kelly, Nikki, Gina, Katie, Jacob, Zach, Marta, Sam, Marrin, and Celi; great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Harrison, Miles, Grace, Sloane, Cash, Jackson, Quinn, and Alden; and great-great-grandchild: Lilah.

With great gratitude, the family wants to thank her “visiting angels,” Shelley Wiederrich and Robyn Arntson (and Tony), who were always there to help at a moment’s notice. Beyond caring for her, they kindly shared meals, a toddy or two, and laughter together in her final days. They brought her much joy. Touchmark (Helena) had been Rose’s home since 2014. For those who were kind and thoughtful, thank you. Headwaters Hospice (Michele, RN) was phenomenal—thank you.

The last 12 years of her life were enriched by the loving care of Marta, Joe, and daughters (Marrin and Cecelia). Between Sunday dinners, countless hospital visits, and fixing the TV (or remote, Wi-Fi, coffee pot, iPad, etc.), they truly embodied selfless, Christ-like care. Especially Joe, who, in the last year of her life, coordinated communication so that everybody could be on the same page when it came to caring for her. He truly was the “favorite son-in-law” (from Helena). When Marta and Joe needed help, Lisa would drive six hours roundtrip with merely a moment’s notice to assist.

The family would be remiss not to mention Rose’s Catholic faith—her foundation. On Sunday, although pain and weakness had compromised her ability to move, she still wanted to attend Palm Sunday Mass. Her beautiful granddaughters (Marrin and Cecelia) and wonderful friends (“Leon” and “Jeff”) helped facilitate her wish. Throughout Holy Week, the four prayed with her and sang songs at her bedside. While her physical care was important, they took special care to walk with her spiritually.

We will picture her at the table during family dinners with her famous potato rolls, at happy hour with friends, around the dining room table playing pinochle, and at every Sunday Mass. While we will miss her dearly, we rest easy knowing that she has been called home.

The Mass of the Resurrection and Celebration of Life will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 18, at Immaculate Conception Parish in Deer Lodge, MT. A rosary will be said at 10:00 a.m., preceding the Mass.

Service Schedule

Rosary

10:00 a.m.

Saturday April 18, 2026

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

601 Clark St.

Deer Lodge, Montana 59722

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Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Saturday April 18, 2026

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

601 Clark St.

Deer Lodge, Montana 59722

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Rite of Committal

Following the Mass

Saturday April 18, 2026

Hillcrest Cemetery

343 Conley Lake Rd.

Deer Lodge, Montana 59722

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Reception

Following the burial

Saturday April 18, 2026

St. Mary's Center

613 St. Mary's Ave

Deer Lodge , Montana 59722

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