On the morning of May 13, 2015, Mary passed away at her daughter’s (Angela) home in Great Falls, Montana after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her devoted family. Mary was 84 years of age.
Mary was born April 12, 1931 in Page, North Dakota. She was raised on her family’s farm in Page with her three siblings. She told stories of going to the Baptist church with her father, John. While in town, they often indulged in chocolate milkshakes at the drug store.
In 1949, Mary graduated from Page High School as class Valedictorian. On July 27 of that year she married Kenneth James Brock, her soulmate. They settled on the family farm where her mother-in-law, Catherine taught her the fine skills of homemaking, parenting, gardening and quilting. Besides the Brock family, Mary and Ken spent time with close friends, Warren and Virginia Bayley.
Mary and Ken moved to Fort Ransom, North Dakota in 1962. There Mary became involved in the community, owning the grocery store, supporting Art & Craft Days and Sodbuster Days. Mary spent hours quilting with the “Lutheran Ladies.” Some of Mary favorite pasttimes were quilting, photographs, puzzle books, gardening, reading, pinochle and being with family.
Mary and Ken retired in Townsend, Montana in 1985. Mary enjoyed caring for grandchildren and children of family friends. She grew a beautiful garden and was often found in her flower beds. Mary and Ken enjoyed traveling outside Montana and camping around the area. Mary was a member of the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Townsend.
Later in life, Mary moved to Helena to be closer to family. After Mary became too ill from cancer to care for herself, she lived with Angela and Larry. She enjoyed their homes in Great Falls and Ryderwood, Washington along with daily chocolate milkshakes. She was thankful for the care from the staff of the Cancer Treatment Center of St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana and Peace Hospice of Great Falls, Montana. She was especially grateful for the excellent care she received from Angela.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Ken, October 3, 1996; parents, John & Lessie (Bressie) Joseph; siblings, Harold Joseph, Ruth McEwen, Laura Kummer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert & Catherine Brock and several sisters and brothers-in-laws.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Angela (Larry) Guttormson, Roxanne Rickman, Glenda (Kenneth) Truesdell and Tracy (Mike) Blotsky; grandchildren, Melanie (Brian) Hamilton, James (Lisa Moes) Guttormson, Dustin (Stephanie) Dally, Matthew Dally, Aaron Truesdell, Daniel (Brandi)Truesdell, Ann (Mark Lauburg) Truesdell and Kendra Blotsky; great grandchildren, Victoria Rodgers, Adelyn Hamilton, MaKenzie Truesdell, Madelyne Truesdell, Parker Truesdell and Connor Dally due to join us this summer. Mary is also survived by Jim Dally (father of Dustin and Matthew) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials in Mary’s name are suggested to the Cancer Treatment Center at St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601 or to the Senior Center 516 2nd Street Townsend, Mt 59644.
To offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Mary please visit below.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 14, 2015
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 14, 2015
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
4:00 p.m.
Friday May 15, 2015
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
301 N. Cherry Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the funeral service
Friday May 15, 2015
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
301 N. Cherry Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the reception
Friday May 15, 2015
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 14, 2015
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 14, 2015
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
4:00 p.m.
Friday May 15, 2015
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
301 N. Cherry Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the funeral service
Friday May 15, 2015
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
301 N. Cherry Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the reception
Friday May 15, 2015
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Share
Debb Tillo says
Roxanne,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! God Bless You!
Debb
Bruce Desonia says
Roxanne,
Sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories with your mother bring you peace.
Bruce
Mike and Kristi Lewis and family says
Roxanne and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was such a wonderful person and so caring. Our prayers are sent you way during this difficult time. May your wonderful memories of your mother soon replace the feelings of sorrow you are feeling now. Take care.
Dick and Jan Paustian says
May your Faith, Family and Friends carry each of you through these very sorrowful times. Our sympathy for Mary’s passing from the bonds of this earth, but know she is patiently awaiting her loved ones in a place where there is no longer pain. She is having a joyous reunion with those she loved for a lifetime, who have been patiently waiting for her to join them. The bonds of love are eternal and know no distance, for they are preserved in your memories and will burn brightly within you forever.
Lil Hines says
Roxanne I was sorry to hear your Mom is no longer here but glad to know she is dancing again. Your love for her was so apparent I know you will miss her but I know she was comforted with all the love you and yours had for her while she was on earth and you have great memories of times spent together.
dianne nickman says
Dear Roxanne, I’m so sorry for your loss. As Lil said, your love for your mom was so apparent to your friends. Through you, your mom became important to us and I only wish we could have met her. Sharing your sorrow and wishing you peace and comfort in the many memories that I know you and your family will hold dear forever.
Denise Feller says
I loved visiting with Mary at our church in East Helena and really missed her when she moved. She made you feel like you were part of her family: she was so kind. My prayers are with her whole family as I know she will be missed.
Virginia Seil says
Dearest Roxanne,
I am so sorry, I know your mom held a very special place in your life and your concern for her these past couple of years was very evident. You were a very compassionate and gracious daughter, she truly knew she was greatly loved. You are a wonderful tribute to her loving parenting skills. May she rest in peace and may beautiful memories fill your heart and remind you that she will always be with you. Our moms never leave us they are part of us. God Bless you dear friend. My prayers are with you.