Anna May Secrest Hanson 84, of Bowman, North Dakota passed away suddenly on February 2nd, 2021.
Anna May (Ann) was born April 9th, 1936, the second of 8 children born to Melvin and Mary FitzGerald. Her early years were spent on the family ranch east of Jordan in Garfield County. She attended Flat Creek School completing the 8th grade. In 1949 the family relocated to Charlo, Montana where she attended Charlo High School graduating in 1954. After graduating, she returned to Miles City and found work as a telephone operator.
In 1960, she married Walt Secrest and for the next 23 years they made their home on the ranch west of Cohagen. A son Cotton was born in 1962. She loved working outside and developed an eye for good horses. She worked tirelessly and was instrumental in developing a strong breeding program that provided a good ranch as well as rodeo and pick-up horses. During this time, she began helping Walt in the arena and soon became a sought after pick-up man (woman) at rodeos in Montana and as far away as Wisconsin. Of the countless arenas she worked in, her favorites were the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale and the Match of Champions at Home On The Range in Sentinel Butte, North Dakota.
In 1983 Ann moved to Miles City and worked at the Eagles Manor and was a mail carrier from Miles City to Jordan. While in Miles City she renewed he love of music and spent many happy hours playing drums, accordion and piano for local dances.
2001 brought another move when Ann married Robert Hanson and moved to the Logging Camp Ranch in the beautiful badlands of North Dakota. Together they shared a love for good Quarter Horses. Ann looked forward to the new colt crop every spring but the highlight of her year was the weaning and sale of the colts in the fall. Ann loved writing Cowboy Poetry and enjoyed many years traveling and presenting her poems that she claimed were always based on “first hand knowledge” of the subject matter.
In 2003, her lifelong commitment to western and rodeo lifestyle was rewarded with her induction into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas.
In later years she always looked forward to the annual FitzGerald reunion in Helena and spending time with her siblings. She also enjoyed seeing and hearing about numerous exploits of her grandchildren and now great grandchildren.
Ann is survived by her husband Robert Hanson of the family ranch. A son Cotton (Bobbie) Secrest of Hardin, 3 grandchildren, Deanne (Brian) Gierke of Beulah, North Dakota, Chad (Heather) Toavs of Sheperd, Montana, Jimmie Lee (Will) Sparks of Plevna, Montana, and 6 great grandchildren Sean and Kayla Gierke, Kylie and Coil Toavs, and Charlee and Cotton Thomas (C T) Sparks.
A special recognition goes out to Robert’s son Ted and his family for all the love and support they provided after she moved to North Dakota. They were and continued to be a great help and source of comfort in her later years.
The family would also like to recognize and thank Ty Blodgett for his unwavering commitment to helping Robert and Ann with whatever project (horse or otherwise) that made their lives easier. In summary, it’s hard to sum up a life so full and rich in a few short lines. So, “Mom, whatever you did, you did it your way”.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials can be made to the Range Riders Museum or the Charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday February 5, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 6, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday February 5, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 6, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Cotton and family. I so sorry for the loss of Ann. I can’t begin to tell you of the many decades of pleasant memories that I was involved with Ann, and the family. God bless you in heaven Ann and I’m so sorry to see you leave us.
Leah Jordan Miller says
Cotton and family,
So sorry to see Ann passed away…”He” don’t make them like her anymore!
Lots of good memories from back in the day….hold on to those memories to get you through your Mom’s passing.
David Wheeler says
My sympathy to you and your family. Ann was a great person I enjoyed working with her
Clay and Karen Taylor and family says
Prayers and thoughts to all family
Karen Barnes says
So sorry to hear about Ann – my sympathy to all her family. Let all your good memories comfort you at this sorrowful time. Hugs and Prayers for all
Dan Herzog says
Cotton prayers for your family.
Sherry Oster says
Prayers to all of Ann’s family! I fondly remember what a remarkable horsewoman she was! Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Thinking of and praying for you.
Debbie Weyer says
Bob, Cotton & all of Ann’s family. My deepest sympathy to all of you. I grew up knowing the Secrest family, and sold a horse to Bob prior to him & Ann getting together. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you during this difficult time.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS TO ALL OF ANN’S FAMILY MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN ALL 0F YOUR MEMORIES AND IN GODS LOVE
Janice Cook says
So sorry for the loss of this great Cowgirl.
Marilyn Askin says
Bob, Cotton and Family my deepest Sympathy and Prayers to all of you. Precious memories of an awesome Lady.
Dave and Wanda says
So sorry for your loss Cotton and family. Our love and prayers are with you all❤️🙏
Casey Cook says
Sorry for your loss. She was an amazing person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Clyde and Carmen says
Cotton and family we are so sorry for your loss.
Linda Estes says
Sorry to see this. She and Mary Ann are together. Prayers for family.
Sandie Green says
Cotton and Family
So very sorry for your loss . Your momma was a corker – always respected her work ethic and take no crap attitude! Many prayers for you all !
Helen j Deines says
My mom snd I send our sympathies. Mom (Ella Johnsen) and I have many Cohagen memories
ken&agnes drane says
Cotton and family. So sorry to hear about your loss your mom was one super lady and will missed by all who knew her
Tom & Kathy Strub says
Our love and condolences Cotton and family. Oh the memories we have shared.
Richard and LInda Meidinger says
Sorry for your loss of Anna. Watched her for years as a pickup gal at the Miles City fairgrounds. Always admired her and the awesome work she did. May she rest in peace. The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Jane. Engdahl says
So sorry to hear of your wonderful mother’s passing ! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Our love to all!
Chuck and Luann Pluhar says
Cotton, so sorry to hear about your mom. We were good friends at Cohagen. I remember the times as friends in our “Cohagen Prairie Chicks” home demonstration club. Also when we painted together as a group in the “Northside Starving Artists.” She was a special lady!
Charlene warren says
Cotton and families, so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I always heard what a great gal she was. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Louise Twitchell says
Cotton I’m sorry to hear about your mother. She was a great cowgirl. She knew more about horses than most. She will be missed by many. Condolences to all of her loved ones
Maureen Larson says
I have the fondest memories of Ann from our years of being her neighbor at Cohagen. She was a great lady and know she will be missed by many. My sincerest sympathies go out to Ann’s family in this difficult time.
Diana Elwood says
Ann’s family, I can not tell you what an impact Ann’s life has had on Chris and I. She was a pick up man at dozen’s of rodeo’s that Chris was in over the years and for me she was a hero and true icon of what a western woman should be. She had more grit and guts than a lot of men I know. Ann, thank you for being that strong woman that helped so many that came after you. RIP dear friend and I’ll see you the other side.
Joyce Reeves says
So sorry to hear, prayers to the family
Marion Peeler says
I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Ann for her humor and her kindness when I spent time with Helen. I know she will be greatly missed.
Cynthia Ashbaker says
I’m so sorry for your loss! May God be your comfort during this difficult time. You’re all in my thoughts & prayers!
Ann Thomas says
Cotton,I love the way you summed it up in the obituary! “Mom, you did it your way! “ A real ranch gal that knew how to get the job done. Prayers to the family.
Margie Smith says
Heard Ann recite poetry in Lewistown a few years ago… I knew exactly to whom she was referring to in a poem, and she was suprised when I asked her… A lady of many accomplishments….
Junior & Theresa McGee says
Our sympathy for the loss of Ann to all her family. Always enjoyed visits with her and got the pleasure of working several “Cowboy” shows with her. She will be missed. RIP.
Keith Benz says
Robert and Cotton, sorry for your loss! I got to know Ann well over the last 15 years or so. I was fortunate to be able to help her and Robert work colts but the best times were spent sitting in her kitchen and listening to her stories! She lived a full life and like you mentioned did it her way! She was always up for kidding around and liked to tease Robert in a good way of course! I among some many will miss her very much! One of the last great old cowgirls.
GARY AND PAT HELM says
ANN SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR PASSING. HAVE LOST CONTACT WITH YOU THE PAST YEARS BUT REMEMBER THE CARDS GAMES, CAMP OUTS AND JUST GETTING TO GETHER. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOURS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL LOVE PAT AND GARY
Gerald & Janet Himelspach says
To Ann’s family our deepest sympathy. We enjoyed her friendship many years ago, and I know will be missed by you. My last visit with Ann was by telephone after we moved to Nevada, and I learned of her book of poetry. I treasure my copy. May your memories bring you comfort.
ELVERA NEUHARDT says
DEAR FAMILIES OF ANN’S==OTTO AND I GO WAY BACK TO THE 50’S AT COHAGEN ,MT. WE PLAYED FOR MANY DANCES==THEN WE WENT OUR DIFFERENT WAYS==UNTIL THE ACCORDION JAMBOREES AND FIDDLERS WERE FORMED==ANN WROTE A POEM FOR OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2003==I COULD GO ON AND ON==JUST ONE WONDERFUL FRIEND==AT THE ACCORDION JAMBOREES SHE ALWAYS PLAYED==HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY THAT I LOVE YOU==SHE WAS OUR DRUMMER IN THE==TOP HATTERS BAND==GOD BLESS==
Rob bartholomew says
Sorry, to hear this Cotton. Didn’t know your mom well, but she certainly was apart of and made eastern mt. History. Take care.
Kolleen (Waldo) Forsyth says
What a GR8 cowgirl!! Its been quite a while since i got to be around Ann, but you dont forget the impression she made. Sympathies to Ann’s family.
Lynne (Hanson) Bramlett says
Cotton, I liked your Mom very much and I’m so sorry that she is gone. I met her in 2001, shortly after she married Robert. (I’m the daughter of Robert’s brother, Will, and I live in California.) She was so friendly and hospitable to me during the times I came out to visit the North Dakota relatives. I won’t forget some of our heart-felt talks! I so liked her spunk and direct way of speaking. She accomplished a lot in her lifetime with her various careers and interests, including poetry writing! She was a most unusual woman with her mix of interests and accomplishments. I’m very sad that I didn’t get to see her again and also that I didn’t get to meet you. My deepest regards to you and Ann’s entire family. I would be writing you too if I had your address.
Mike Medved says
Cotton, Sorry for your loss. God got another Saint. She was the best, she was my second mom. She was the toughest woman alive and she lived it. So many memories and she did it her way. Love you, Brother!!!
Marlene Newman Rule says
Cotton and family, Have lots of memories of your mother and was always impressed with her many accomplishments especially both you’re parents picking up in Miles City. Lots of laughter when my parents and yours got together. She will be missed. Marlene Newman Rule
CraigCarr says
Cotton sorry for the loss of your Mom. What a grand woman she was I shure enjoyed the time I worked for your mom and dad and getting on all those broncs back in 1980!!!
Linda Rogers says
So Sorry to hear, what wonderful memories she has left to her family. May God comfort you all.
Barry and Katie FitzGerald says
Aunt Anna May always greeted you with a smile and shared her spirit for life. She was a one a kind, and special for everybody who met her. Not sure if she ever knew how much her family and friends loved her and will miss her, but we certainly will every day.
Jack and Karen walker says
Very sorry to hear this cotton, your mom was very special, pulled me off a lot of broncs,and always had a smile when she would see ya.
Very sorry my friend.
Andrita Harris says
Deepest sympathy and condolences to the family, Cotton so sorry for your loss, RIP COWGIRL
PRAYERS
Rhonda Sedgwick Stearns says
My sympathy and condolences are with all who loved Ann. She lived life to the fullest, through the good and the bad, the mud and the blood, hard work and sweet fellowship among ranch, rodeo, cowboy and cowgirl friends and family to whom she was a hero. A top hand wherever she was, Ann was truly one-of-a-kind and I cherish the privilege of having known her for nearly 70 years. In and out of the arena, horseback so much of the time, Ann did more than her share in each time and place . . . and Heaven is enriched now by her presence! She’ll be with the heavenly horsemen on white horses when they come…. Blessings and prayers around her family.
Tom and Cheryl Larsen says
So sorry to hear about Ann’s passing. What a Great gal she was. She is sure going to be missed. They don’t make them like her anymore.
RIP, Ann
Patti Burian Ingman says
What a gift she has for writing poetry that is
real, honest, and hilarious! I will personally miss her!
Elaine Smeenk Francis says
So very sorry to see this. She was an amazing woman and extraordinary cowgirl!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to all her family and friends. She is really going to be missed by so many. What a legacy she left!!
Lloyd & Meryl McKenna says
Cotton and family. We have lots of memories of your mom. From when we were in the dorm to the last 20 years of cowboy poetry gatherings. Hugs and prayers to all of you.
Sandra J. Smith says
So sorry to hear of Annes” passing. Favorite memory of her was Watching her and WALT PICKING UP at the college rodeo in Bozeman at the field house. Cotton was very small then. I am not sure if i ever met her but sure enjoyed watching her.
Eurrat Jr Saylor says
I had just learned of Ann’s passing. She was quite the woman and I am sorry for your loss, Cotton.