Adaline Ruth Tallman of Olympia passed away at the age of 75 on Wednesday, November 21st after a 13-month battle with lung cancer. Adaline was born on March 30, 1937 in Sidney, Montana to Wilhelm Siegle and Martha Holzworth. She grew up on the family farm in Glendive, Montana with four brothers and two sisters.
After graduating from Dawson County High School in Glendive in 1955, she went to Eastern Montana College of Education in Billings, Montana. Shortly after receiving her two year teaching certificate, she went to Whitefish, Montana to teach 4th grade. It was in Whitefish that she met Glay and they married in 1959.
The Tallman family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1962 to further Glay's education in electronics. Both Adaline and Glay worked at the Tooele Army Depot with Adaline employed as an administrative clerk.
In 1972, after Glay was transferred to Ft. Lewis, Washington for permanent assignment, Adaline began her career with Social Security. While working full time and raising three children, she completed a degree in Business Administration from St. Martin's College. After 26 years of service with the Social Security Administration she retired as a Claims Representative in 1998.
Adaline treasured her family, and of course her seven grandchildren held extra-special status. In celebration of their birth, each of her grandchildren received a beautiful quilt. Every stitch was lovingly hand-done by Grandma Adaline to create a treasured heirloom. Adaline and Glay also maintained other family traditions. At the age of five, each grandchild went on a memorable Montana adventure with Grandma and Grandpa Tallman as their exclusive tour guides. "Stretching strudel" for birthdays was another Tallman tradition. This favorite German food, combined with Grandma's delicious baked chicken, was always an event to look forward to. These memories and traditions we hold dear to our hearts and will continue for years to come.
Adaline was a frequent visitor to Olympia garage sales and Goodwill where she was a legend for her ability to find incredible treasures. Every Christmas each family member received a tin full of special gifts that Adaline had selected especially for that person throughout the year. She also spent her time attending sporting events, plays, dance recitals, graduations, confirmations and other events involving her cherished grandchildren.
Taking special trips with girlfriends was also a favorite past time. This included quilt shows in Sisters, Oregon or a sewing retreat at the ocean. She and Glay loved to travel with relatives and long-time friends as well. In addition to frequent trips to Montana, some of their favorite journeys were to Branson, Missouri, an Alaskan cruise and beautiful Hawaii. But one of her most memorable trips was in 2007 where she was proud to attend, along with several hundred guests, her father's centennial birthday celebration in Billings, Montana.
Adaline is survived by Glay, her husband of 53 years. Their three children, Ron (Thu) Tallman, Wendy (Bill) Lange, Doug (Janet) Tallman; her seven grandchildren, Brett, Ryan, Ali, Will, Cassie, Alex and Travis. Siblings include Dolores (Dwayne), Philip (Evelyn), Wilma (Art), Robert, Ray (Shirley), and David, all of Montana; and nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to mention.
Adaline's creativity and gifts of love surround us each and every day. Her gentle, loving spirit will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her. Our family is filled with pride for the love and devotion that Glay and Adaline shared throughout their marriage. During her 13 month battle with cancer, Glay was by her side giving her constant care, love and support. For this we are truly grateful.
Memorial services will be held Saturday Dec. 1, 2012, 11am, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia Wa. (http://www.gloriadeiolympia.org/). Remembrances may be left online at http://millsandmillsfuneralhome.com or http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adalinetallman
The family is honored to welcome all donations and suggests making donations to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or your charity of choice in loving memory of Adaline Tallman.
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