Rosemary McManus

Our Mom, Rosemary McManus, went to heaven on September 15, 2021 at the young age of 96. Rosemary was born on the family farm West of Billings, MT on October 19, 1924 to George J. and Elizabeth Steinmetz Hart. There were 12 children in the family and they all worked hard on the farm. Rosemary attended Elysian School and Billings Senior High School. She furthered her education and graduated from the St Vincent School of Nursing in 1945 where she was a member of the Army Nurse Corp. She then moved to Laurel to work for Dr. Vye and Dr. Calvert. It was in that clinic that she met our dad, Don W McManus, when he came in for a shot. Rosemary and Don were married May 25, 1947 in Laurel. They lived in Laurel, Bridger, and Great Falls where she continued her nursing career. They settled in Billings in 1952. Rosemary was an amazing woman. She raised six children, took care of her husband and their home and also continued her nursing career at St Vincents and later at several doctors' offices. She was the family care-giver. She helped with her parents and sisters. Rosemary and Don were active in their church and the Optimists. They went on many trips with the Optimists. They loved to dance and have fun. Rosemary kept in touch with her St Vincent Nursing classmates for over 60 years. They got together several times a year. After retiring, Rosemary started a new hobby of collecting and restoring dolls. She gave classes on doll repair in her home. She was a member of the Doll Dreamers and the Big Sky Optimists. She helped with the Flea Markets at the Boys & Girls Club in Billings. Rosemary was an artist. She repainted statues at her church. She considered one of her biggest artistic achievements to be the painting of the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe nestled in a grotto on the Conter Ranch near Pompeys Pillar. She hosted family gatherings for the holidays and when she did, the McManus home rocked with laughter and good food. Rosemary loved God, Family, and Friends. Surviving her are: Her Siblings: Alvin Hart, Harvey Hart (Karen), and Betty Beffert (Frances) along with many nieces and nephews. Her Children: Debra Wacker, Dania Wong (Arne), Pat McManus (Julie), Mary Ward, Tim McManus, and Matt McManus. Her GrandChildren: Toby Wacker (Kim), Melissa Wacker, Jason McManus (Jill), Kristina Tokeshi (Roy), Hal Ward (Janice), Josh Ward, Shane Ward (Theresa), Mason McManus. Her GreatGrandChildren: Ashley Dietz (Troy), Abbey, Klay Wacker; Davey, Darbey Pitsch; Arianna, Maya McManus; Sean, Alicia, and Justin Ard, Kylie Tokeshi; Gunnar, Hayden, Graidy, Whalyn Ward; Brodee, Harlee, Roree Ward; Sadie Ward. Her GreatGreatGrandchildren: Jaedyn Pitsch; Tristan, Wyatt Dietz; Tanner, Rowen Cepak. She was preceded in death by: Her Husband Don; Her Parents; Her Siblings; Lucille, Irene, Ruth, George R, John, Art, Dorothy, Katherine Hart. Her Son-in-law; Dennis Wacker. Her GreatGrandsons; Jason A McManus and Trey Ward. The family would like to thank Tim, for his day to day care and never ending love for his mother over the last decade; and to Mary for her nursing skills, compassion and continuous check-ins. Because of this, Mom was able to stay in her home for over 65 years up until the last day. We would also like to thank Compassus Home Health and Hospice for the assistance in caring for our mom. Rest in Peace Dear Mom. Memorials may be made to Mary Queen of Peace Church, Big Sky Optimists, or a charity of your choice. Prayer Service: September 27, 2021 at 6:00 pm - Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass: September 28, 2021 at 11:00 am – Mary Queen of Peace Church Interment: Following Mass – Holy Cross Cemetery Reception: Billings Hotel and Convention Center - following RIte of Committal