Mary Hanks
June 28, 1932 - October 13, 2013
Obituary
'I'm with the Lord. I'm ready.' A remarkable woman left us on October 13, 2013 and joined her Father in heaven after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Mary Janisch Hanks was born June 28, 1932 to Lawrence and Hattie Janisch in Wheatland, North Dakota on the family farm. In 1944 Mary moved from Fargo, North Dakota to Billings with her mother and sister Phyllis where she attended Fratt School. They then moved to Miles City in 1946 where she attended Sacred Heart School. She married Orville Hanks and to this union 4 children were born. In 1968 Mary moved to Billings with her children and began a career at St. Vincent's Hospital where she would stay for the next 28 years. Mary was an exemplary single mother and her strong work ethic is instilled in her children and grandchildren. After retiring from St. Vincent's Hospital, Mary worked for School District #2 at Orchard School and Newman Elementary. Until May of this year Mary volunteered at Ponderosa in the school library. Mary loved to work in her yard and it showed in the beautiful flowers and manicured grounds. She also loved to read and travel to visit family. Mary was preceded in death by her mother and father, her sister Phyllis Root and her infant son, Rickie. She is survived by her children, Gary Hanks, Randy (Bobbie) Hanks and Nancy (Joe) Ruby. Mary's grandchildren are Bridget (Bo) Bryant and their daughter, Natalya and great-grandson on the way, Ryan (Lindsey) Hanks and their children Audrey and Mykenna, Anya Hanks, Breanne Buehler and Jill (Will) Graber. Mary is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family would like to say a special thank you to Rocky Mountain Hospice for the care that they provided. Service: Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Little Flower Catholic Church with inurnment following in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
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Memories
AK
Arneen Korell
Other •
Dearest Hanks Family, I am truly sorry to learn of Mary's passing. She was a wonderful, kind, loving woman and I am sure she will be missed tremendously by all of you. I pray that you cherish all the memories that you shared with her. I'm sure she has left a part of her in each of you. I will always remember her with much admiration, as she was always so kind and loving to me. I know Kevin will miss her lovely smile and gracefulness. I am relieved that she is no longer in pain and she will now be able to fly like an angel. May God Bless all of you and know that there are many people that are thinking and praying for you all. Love, Arneen
AB
April Buscher
Other •
My memory of Mary goes back to my youthful childhood I remember the dog (not it's name) was so possessive over Mary's flowers. I admit I used to love pulling her poppies apart. Mary was always so gentle and patient and I remember her soft personality. I am sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I know that she is reunited with my grandmother Geri. Someday we will all see eachother again.
PW
Peggy Frederick White
Other •
Your mom was a great lady and will be missed.
SM
Steve and Chris Marek
Other •
To all of the Hanks family, we are so sorry for your loss. Mary was a very wonderful and loving person. We have fond memories of when we would stop to visit on our way through town, especially the hospitality and the stories of the "old days". She is with the Lord now and out of pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Steve and Chris, Phil, Joni, Sabrina and Bobbi, Jake and Krissi.
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Connie Nelson
Other •
Gary, Randy and Nancy, I am so sorry to read that your Mother passed away. Yes, she truly was a remarkable lady I can say she always treated me kindly. I will remember Mary as a very nice, gentle person in my life. You were very blessed to have such a nice mother.
RB
Robin Byford
Other •
I said goodbye to my lovely friend, Mary, today. I miss her quiet voice, her little laugh, and her sweet spirit. Rest in peace my dear friend; we will meet again.