Rosemary McCracken

September 27, 1922 - January 02, 2013

Obituary

Rosemary McCracken, 90, passed away peacefully at her home with close family, Barbara and John at her side on January 2, 2013. She was born in Pompeys Piller, Montana on September 27, 1922 to Stephan and Magdalena (Heilman) Nickel. Rosemary grew up in Pompey's Pillar area for 6 years of her life, then the family moved to Billings. She worked at Billings and Rex Laundry, and at St. Vincent's hospital kitchen. Rosemary was a hairdresser for 30 years working at Anderson's beauty shop and Hollywood College. She had her own shop called Rosemary's Beauty Salon in Billings for 19 years and also taught at beauty schools in the 1980's and 90's. Rosemary was united in marriage to George Edward McCracken on September 27, 1941 at the courthouse in Billings. She was a volunteer at the Southside Senior Citizens Center and Little Flower church, a member of Catholic Daughters and in retirement also did hair at local mortuaries. She loved to crochet afghans and doilies and enjoyed baking. Rosemary would help anyone at anytime, she had a great sense of humor, always had a smile, loved to laugh and loved her cat, Tuffy, her “sweetie pie”. She is now with her beloved husband George in heaven. Rosemary is survived by her sister Elizabeth Stang, Billings, brother Frank Nickel (Adrienne), Oregon and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, sisters: Magdalena, Katherine and Eva and brothers: Jacob, Steve, Tony and Adam. The family would like to thank Dr. Fiddler and his staff for their rapid response and for their kindness and caring. They would also like to thank Riverstone Hospice for their caring and kindness at a difficult time. Memorials may be given to Southside Senior Center, 901 South 30th St., Billings, MT 59101 or the charity of your choice. Services will be held Friday, January 11, 2013, 1:00 p.m. at Dahl Funeral Chapel with a reception to follow. Burial of ashes at St. Pius following the reception. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.

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arne geiger

Other • 14 years ago

My name is Arne Geiger and I am very honored to share a few memories of Rosemary. I am associated with Hope Center church across the street from her residence. We moved into the building on Jan 1, 2006. Our property includes the parking lot adjacent to Rosemary's home. It is part of my maintenance to keep the lot clean and I would use an electric leaf blower. I would run an extension cord across the street from the church and then one day I had an idea of asking Rosemary if she had an outlet we could use and pay her for electricity. She was very gracious and would not accept any payment. During the ensuing years I had the opportunity to visit with Rosemary and get to know her some. I don't believe I every saw her without a smile. I remember seeing her out shoveling the sidewalk up until about a year ago. I would have occassional visits as we would sit in her porch for 20-30 minutes. She would share how much she missed George. Her eyes would glisten and sometimes become teary and yet proud of all he did and how she wished she could do some of those things. She liked to talk about her career as a hair stylist. She was very humble and yet very proud. It was always a challenge to leave as she just wanted to keep talking and sharing memories of the past. She was very thankful for her niece and husband who she knew she could always depend on if she needed something. I will miss that smile and those visits and yet I know she is with Jesus and with George who she missed so much. Thanks Rosemary for the memories.

Vince, Ryan, Arcie, Chente & Ellie Meza