Mary Whittle

October 11, 1926 - February 18, 2017

Obituary

Mary Ellen Whittle, age 90, was born October 11, 1926 in Forsyth, Montana. She was the eldest daughter of Robert and Ellen McKeever. After a long goodbye due to Alzheimer's disease, she died peacefully on Saturday, February 18, 2017, from a stroke. She was a devoted wife and mother. Mary Ellen met her future husband, Jerry Whittle, at the age of eight in Forsyth. She graduated in 1944 as Valedictorian of Forsyth High School. After attending the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota, she worked as a legal secretary for Coleman, Jameson and Lamey in Billings. As Jerry's fiance, she traveled to St. Louis, Missouri by train to visit him at Atlas Diesel School. They were married November 21, 1948 in Forsyth. Mary Ellen became a full-time homemaker and mother, as she and Jerry raised their ten children in Billings. She sewed everything from bridesmaid dresses to school clothes, to her own terrycloth towels. The washing machine was in constant operation as she never used a disposable diaper. Mom was the ultimate organizer, managing a household of 12 sharing one bathroom. As a Mom and Grandma, she was famous for her delicious homemade bread, potato salad, chocolate chip cookies and applesauce cake. Camping trips were a highlight of summer vacations, whether in the camper or tent. She was a lifelong member and dedicated volunteer at Little Flower, then Holy Rosary Catholic parishes. As a community volunteer, Mary Ellen was honored by the City of Billings and St. John's Lutheran home. Upon Jerry's retirement, they attended YMCA fitness classes every weekday, where they made many friends. Because of Jerry's service to the US Navy, he and Mary Ellen were able to enjoy ten memorable ship's reunions throughout the country. They two-stepped and jitterbugged well into their 80s. You could always find a book or crossword puzzle at her side. Her sisters phoned often for crossword puzzle advice. Mary Ellen loved music and could remember the words to her favorite songs even to her last days. Mary Ellen is survived by her husband of 68 years, Jerry Whittle. She is also survived by her sisters, Connie Rasky of Billings, Joan Zormeir of Lewistown and Sheila Blakesley of Forsyth. Her children and spouses are Kathy and Larry Dreyer of Helena, John and Brenda Whittle of Billings, Patty and Ron Nordlund of Billings, Tom and Carol Whittle of Shepherd, Jim Whittle of Bozeman, Marjorie and JC Knaub of Big Sky, Carrie and Kevin Winegardner of Helena, Barbara Whittle of Billings, and Laura and Eric Humberger of Bozeman. Her youngest son, Joe Whittle, died in 1984 in Billings. Grandma treasured more than twenty grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by granddaughter Alyssa. “Aunt Missy” was loved by dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary Ellen was cherished and will be missed greatly by her family and friends, especially Jerry. The family appreciates the loving care received from the angels at Pearl Garden in West Park Village, the staff at Compassus Hospice Care, and the spiritual support and friendship of Father Charlie Gorman. Viewing will be held Wednesday, February 22nd from 10 am – 5 pm with vigil service starting at 5:15 pm at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass is Thursday, February 23rd at St. Pius X Church at 11 am. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Should you wish, memorials may be made to Montana Alzheimer's Association, 3010 11th Ave N, Billings Montana 59101 or charity of donor's choice. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com

Events

There are no events for Mary yet.

Photos

Add photos
of Mary

No photos of Mary have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
Mary

Kathy (Whittle) Dreyer

Other • 10 years ago

I feel that Mom was the "perfect mom." She made us all feel so special and loved. If kids excluded me she would say, " It's their loss." She always said that people were more important than things. She would help me with Algebra into the night and get up in the middle of the night and early morning for whomever was the baby at the time. Pre-microwave she would keep supper warm for any of us who had school activities, Dad working late, etc. The many celebrations of Christmas Eve at 220 Lewis will forever be cherished memories of all of the children , grandchildren and even some of the great-grandchildren. Many a card table would serve all the families. Brunches were always ham, hash browns, bacon and eggs for as many of the families who could come. Dinners would be ham, green beans and her famous scalloped potatoes. Mom sewed all of our clothes for many years, even all my bridesmaids dresses as well as jumpers for all my four younger sisters! She gave the boys haircuts, including some of the neighbor boys, too! Before the invention of foam rollers, she tied our hair up in rags every Saturday night for church in the morning. Mom and Dad were always eager to take care of grandchildren when any of us needed them, for a week or for a moment's notice at any time. Mom and Dad gave us the best example by going to the health club every day after retirement. They were so active for so many years, traveling to all of the grandchildren's first communions, confirmations, graduations from high school and college! After we all chipped in and bought them one of the first video cameras, they videoed many of these occasions. Camping vacations were packed with some of our fondest memories around the campfires. They would sleep anywhere, on a piece of foam in a tent or on a floor!!Mom never forgot to send birthday cards to kids and grandkids for many years! Into their 80's they danced the two-step. Just a few years ago, Mom said, "How can all of these people just sit there when there is such great dance music!!" One of Mom's saying was, "There is never a lack of people to pray for." She faithfully prayed her Rosary for all of us. Mom will forever be famous for her beautiful, loving smile. Kathy (Whittle) Dreyer.

Kim & Don Olsen