Mamie Winifred “Tiny” Denson, 88, was born on Saturday, January 2, 1937 to Frank Clayton and Nanie Winifred (Cain) Bidwell in Broadus, Montana.
Her loving heart beat it’s last on Friday, September 26, 2025 at her home in Douglas, Wyoming.
Tiny went to school in Broadus and graduated in 1955. She married Robert “Bob” Denson that same year. The family grew with the addition of daughter Donna in 1956, with four more children following: Robert Jr, Penny, Cynthia, and Jackie. The family lived in Broadus and she worked as a teacher’s aide at Saint Labre Indian School in Ashland, Montana for seven years. At the same time, she was working towards her BS in education, graduating from EMC in 1974, the same year her eldest graduated from high school.
She substituted in the Broadus schools until 1976 when the family moved to Colstrip, Montana.
After Bob retired in 1980, they moved to Lavina, Montana and soon purchased 15 acres on Dean Creek, between Lavina and Roundup, Montana. In 1995, Bob passed away and Tiny and grandson, Daniel, moved into Lavina to be closer to school.
Daniel graduated in 1998 and Tiny moved back to Broadus to be closer to her parents. By 2004, with both parents now gone, and having reunited with her old beau, George Winkley, the year before, she moved to Douglas. She continued to substitute teach and began making quilts. She made many quilts for family and friends before failing eyesight finally caused her to give up a hobby she loved. She spent as much time as possible with family and friends and many happy memories were made. She treated George’s family as her own.
Tiny was preceded in death by her husband Bob Denson; her parents Frank and Nanie Bidwell, her brother Cyrus, sister Myrtle, great grandson Kyle, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
She is survived by her children: Donna Whitted of Gillette, Wyoming, Robert Denson Jr. of Edgemont, South Dakota, Penny (Jeff) Missell of Arizona, Cynthia (Darrell) Boam of Edgemont and Jackie (Fred) Schoenbeck of Park City, Montana, and brother, Ronald Bidwell of Lyman, Colorado.
Surviving also are George Winkley of Douglas and his children Mary, Dale, Linda, Karen and Bev.
Tiny had eight grandchildren, Jamie (Michelle) Whitted of Gillette, Dina Whitted of Gillette, Daniel Denson of Billings, Montana, Owen, Mathew (Britney) Gorder of Billings, Michael Gorder of Billings, Jonna (Thomas) Cox of Billings, and Erin (Brian) Grey of Savanna, Georgia, nine great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Special thanks to Kay Moore and all her church family!
Services will be held at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 405 North Sixth Street, Douglas on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Todd Weber officiating. A second service will be held at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, 101 East Wilson Street, Broadus, Montana on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. as she wished to have her ashes laid to rest with family at the Valley View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Saint Labre Indian School, 112 St. Labre Campus Drive, Ashland, Montana 59003 would be appreciated by the family.
Ann Haley says
Such a dear lady! I remember her as a teacher’s aide at St. Labre back when I was a kid. She was always nice and always involved in doing and learning. She was a genuine woman with a big heart. Prayers and Peace to her family.
Ginger says
Aww…..I’ll miss “Tiny”. She was a great lady who was a proud mom, grandma and beyond, loving each and every one of her kids and grands to the moon and back. Tiny was my favorite Avon lady, too, back in the day. Her many talents and quiet ways will be missed as well. Most sincere sympathies and lots of hugs to Donna, Bobby, Penny, Cindy and Jackie and the extended families.
Tammy Popp Schoenbeck says
oh damn Jackie i am so sorry
Janet Edmonds says
I am sad to see this. Tiny was such a talented, fun and kind cousin. I will forever miss her Christmas cards with the personal messages. Much sympathy to her Family.
Veda says
This makes me so sad, but heaven gained a wonderful, gentle , loving person. RIP my friend.
SHELLY HOLUM says
So Sorry to hear this… Sending Prayers and hugs to all of the Family. Mamie & Bob lived next door to us in Colstrip.. Great Family. Mamie and Bob, and my parents “Bert & Ernie(Stub)” can really share the stories again…
Cherish all of the memories..
Mable Watters Lane says
Mamie: Was a wonderful Lady and friend to my whole family! Everyone that know her 💔 and Loves her will miss her 💔💔😇😇🕊️🕊️
Mark Peterson says
Donna…My condolences on the loss of your mom. It’s always difficult, regardless of how long they live. Don’t know if you remember me or not – I was at Forsyth HS when you were in Broadus.
Thelma Beaverheart (Fisher) says
Mrs Denson our Reading tutor her and Mrs Ann Amsdem ❤️ were the best. Prayers for her New Journey to heaven.
Robbin Stoddard says
Heartfelt condolences to Mamie’s family. She was a wonderful woman with a sweet, gentle smile.
Bob and Carolyn Traub says
Ive known Mamie pretty much all my life and she was one of the kindest people you’d ever meet. My heart goes out to all the family. Hugs and Prayers for Donna, Bob, Penny, Cindy, Jackie, and families 💔
Pam and Dave says
Praying for comfort for all of her loved ones ❤️!
Yes, she was always kind and gentle, we care!