Mary Frances (Kieckbusch) Hooks was born on January 29, 1934, to Lillian and Bill Kieckbusch of Townsend. Mary passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, April 29, 2023, after a brief illness.
Mary grew up on the family ranch outside of town before moving to Townsend when her father passed away. She graduated from Broadwater County High School and attended the College of Great Falls.
On June 25, 1955, Mary and Patrick Hooks were married at Holy Cross Church in Townsend. They were married 51 ½ years. Mary was a lifelong member of Holy Cross.
Mary was a member of the Townsend Lumber bowling team for many years and enjoyed playing bridge. She worked for Graymont Western, Inc. for 29 years, retiring in 2014 at the age of 80. Following her retirement, she fulfilled a dream of volunteering at Head Start in Townsend.
Mary and Pat traveled to Hawaii and fell in love with the Island of Kauai, which they visited several times. With her good friend Betty Holzwarth, Mary traveled to Amsterdam and to the East Coast to see the fall colors. Mary was a longtime member of Old Baldy Golf Course and on any given Tuesday could be found on the course with Bonnie Berglind and Martha Wilson prior to going to Taco Tuesday at the Fishtale.
Preceding her in death were her parents, brother Tom, sister Patricia Reller, husband Pat, and grandson Conor. Mary is survived by her daughter Susan of Pocatello, Idaho, sons Bill and his wife Mary of Helena, Montana, and Michael and his wife Maggie of Seattle, Washington, her beloved grandchildren, Brendan, John, Patrick, Kathleen and Brian, brother-in-law Dale Reller, sister-in-law Marnee Kieckbusch and seven nieces and nephews. Also surviving Mary are bonus sons Donny Walters, Mike Meyer, John Huth, and Greg Field.
Mary was the heart and soul of our family. She loved us fiercely and unconditionally. Her children and grandchildren cherished her in return. She was the best of us.
“A mother’s hug lasts long after she lets go.” – Unknown
A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 29th at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 South Walnut St. Townsend, MT. 59644. A burial will follow the Memorial Service at the Holy Cross Cemetery located East of Townsend. A reception will follow the Burial at The Cook Mansion 7408 US HWY 287.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis TN 38148 (Memorial ID 23460304), Shriner’s Hospital for Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394, or to a charity of donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday July 29, 2023
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 South Walnut St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Service
Saturday July 29, 2023
Holy Cross Cemetery
East of Townsend
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday July 29, 2023
The Cook Mansion
7408 US HWY 287
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday July 29, 2023
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 South Walnut St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Service
Saturday July 29, 2023
Holy Cross Cemetery
East of Townsend
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday July 29, 2023
The Cook Mansion
7408 US HWY 287
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Donna Francisco says
Susan, Bill & Mike~ I am holding you all in my thoughts & prayers with the passing of your Mom. She was a part of my growing up in Townsend & I have great memories of her & you all! So blessed to see her at our 40th reunion..& it was a joy visiting with her! Love & Hugs! Donna
Dana Rauser says
Mary , Bill &Mike
So sorry for your loss. Your Mother was a great person and I always enjoyed talking to her when I saw her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Patti (Field) Grosfield says
Mike, Bill, and Susan,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss of your dear Mom. Mary was a fabulous, nice, ambitious, loving and fun lady who will be missed by all. She leaves behind a tremendous legacy though . . You three wonderful, bright, loving, nice children. That’s a Mom’s greatest tribute! My Mom treasured her times with your Mom and I hope they’re now whooping it up in heaven! Take care of yourselves, and please take comfort in the many wonderful memories.
Priscilla Reis says
Oh, Susan, I’m so very sorry. Mary was a wonderful woman whom I know you adored. My heart aches for you and your family.
Darrell and Barbara Scott says
We know your mother was a wonderful woman and that she meant so much to her kids. We are so sorry for your loss.
Darrell and Barbara
Mary Huth says
Susan, Bill and Mike,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I loved visiting with your Mom when we would meet. What a wonderful lady she was. Thinking of you all with love.
Mary Huth
Sharon Rains Potenza says
So many memories of Pat and Mary coming to Missoula with J.Garrison snd Lavina for the Cat/Griz game and being a tiny part of their many golfing adventures with the McCarthy’s etc. Such wonderful memories of the friendships that evolve in Townsend, MT. Mary will be missed by so many. Such a great life and such a great laugh. Rest in Peace and walk everywhere like you used to. What a family that we hold dear.
Jim Foster says
Susan, Bill, Mike, and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful mother. She was a positive part of all our lives growing up, and such an outstanding person. She left a great mark on this earth and her children reflect it. I was always amazed at how patient she was with our late-night poker parties. At three in the morning she would just calmly look at us with an understanding and pretty smile.
I am out of state and will not be able to attend the funeral, but know that you all are in my prayers; all of you, including her four Bonus Sons, which anyone would be proud to claim. “There is nothing like a mother, and no replacement for her” Your Mother Mary presides in Jesus’ arms for the rest of eternity.
Marge Erickson says
Susan, Bill, Mike & family,
A Mother’s passing is hard. It was hard to lose my Dad but when I lost my Mom that was much worse. I don’t like feeling like an orphan. I know you are going to miss your Mom so very much.No one can take your memories and I know you have a lot of great memories of your Mom and Dad. Enjoy your memories and pass them on to your family and stress to them that they need to continue passing those memories along. Talk about her and with her. You may not be able to see her but she is there with you all the time. Take care and God
Bless
Marge Erickson
Doreen Peters says
Susan, Bill, and Mike – Hugs and prayers to you and your families over the loss of your Mom. I will always remember her and the fun times I had bowling with her and the rest of the Townsend Lumber Team not only weekly but when we’d travel to State and National Tournaments. Those women knew how to have fun and taught me well. Your Mom was an awesome lady and will be missed.