Marian Lydia Wacker Pinkham was born on October 14, 1932 in Stillwater County, near the town of Fishtail, MT. She went home to be with the Lord on April 26, 2022 surrounded by family at Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
Marian was born to Jacob and Lydia (Adolph) Wacker, the last of fourteen children. When she was only four years old, her father passed away. The family moved to Roundup, MT where her older siblings helped her mother raise her. She attended school in Roundup and graduated from high school in 1950. Marian was crowned “May Queen” during her senior year.
After graduation, Marian married Bill McKiernan. Her son Rod was born in 1952 and together they lived in Roundup.
Later, Marian moved to Billings and attended Billings Business College. She married Duane Pinkham in 1957 and began her life in Miles City. To this union, two daughters were born; Doreen in 1959 and Pamela in 1961. Marian worked as a secretary at the Miles City PCA, the Federal Land Bank, and the Eagles Manor.
Marian was a talented pianist and organist. She began playing for church services when she was in 8th grade. She played for church services and accompanied the choir at Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City for more than 57 years. Marian was known for her beautiful soprano voice, which she shared at weddings, funerals and other functions, including her annual rendition of “O Holy Night” at church on Christmas Eve. She played piano at Holy Rosary Extended Care as entertainment for the residents and later, played at Cottonwood Care Home after she became a resident there in 2019.
Marian loved to dance and enjoyed the local Fiddlers dances, or really any dances where good music was being played. She was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City and the Ladies Guild.
Marian is preceded in death by her parents, her seven brothers; Edd, Reiny, Gus, Harry, Albert, Jacob and Henry, her six sisters; Gertie, Martha, Margaret, Elizabeth, Hilda, and Leona, along with all of her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
She is survived by her children: Rod (Young) Pinkham of Henderson, NV, Doreen (Johnny) Womack of Midland, TX, and Pam (Don) Griffin of Ismay, MT. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Nicole (Ryan) Rolf and Brooke (Brooks) Kmetz from Miles City, and Callie (Shane) Cooley of Billings, MT, along with great-grandchildren Quade and Rachel Rolf, Dane, Sydney and Sawyer Kmetz, and Hayes and soon-to-arrive-baby Cooley.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Cottonwood Care Home and Deb’s Hands of Care for the special care they provided Marian in her final years.
Family will receive friends on Friday, April 29, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Roundup City Cemetery in Roundup. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 221 S. Center, Miles City, MT 59301 or the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 29, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 30, 2022
Trinity Lutheran Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 29, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 30, 2022
Trinity Lutheran Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Sheila Rickett says
So sorry to hear this. I worked with her at the Eagles Manor. She was so nice. Heart goes out to her family
Donna Orthman says
Marian always had a smile on her face . She was truly a beautiful lady
She spent many years playing the organ at church and will be missed by all who knew her
Jim & Marj Anderson says
So sorry for your loss. Marian was such a sweet lady. She will be missed by many. Cherish your memories
Allen & Cindy Kelm says
So sorry to hear this…praying for peace & comfort for all of you!
Ginger Huckins says
Doreen and Pam and family, Marian was a dear friend, and I have many enjoyable memories of her. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Jane Viall says
Oh Pam and family, I will be praying for you and you are in my heart. It’s hard to say goodbye and I’m sure the loss is heavy in your hearts. God bless and comfort you in the days to come!!
Cori Hanel Brubaker says
Sorry for the loss of your mother. Alwyas hard no matter the situations. Prayers to Doreen and Pam.
Theresa Scheid says
So sorry to hear of Marian’s passing. She always liked her hugs and I always gave her a hug when I saw her. May the Lord’s peace be with you.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Pam and family,
So sorry to hear about your mom and grandma. It is so very hard to say goodbye. God bless and comfort you now and in the days to come. Cherish your wonderful memories of a very sweet lady! Hugs to all.
Al Blom says
I went to school with Marian in Roundup and remember her fondly. My condolences to her family.
(one of our classmates’ daughters is typing this for me because I do not have a computer)
Karen Morris says
I was saddened to read that Marian had passed away. I suspect there is a grand reunion of Roundup classmates in Heaven going on. May you find comfort in your memories.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Tracee L RAYMOND says
Doreen, Pam and families, I’m so very sorry for your loss. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
Doreen, Pam and Families:
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mom, Marian. She was a special Lady! Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. She will always be a Treasure in your hearts and not forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will help you get thru difficult days ahead. Hugs and Prayers to you all.
GARY AND Pat Helm says
SO SORRY TO SEE ABOUT MOM. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Patti Ireland says
It was always a blessing to hear Marian play piano at Holy Rosary Residential when my parents lived there. She was very kind.
Kolleen (Waldo) Forsyth says
Rod, Doreen, Pam and families. My sympathies go out to you as you gather to say goodbye to your sweet mom. I have fond memories of our little neighborhood on N Lake. Lots of kids making memories together.
With hugs,
Cherie says
Truly a sad day, Marion was a very beautiful and kind soul. Prayers for everyone she will indeed be missed.
Dotti Green says
Pam, Donnie and family,
You all have my deepest sympathy. It’s so hard to lose your Mom. Keep the good memories close, may they bring you comfort.
Ruben and June Opp says
To all of Marian’s family, so sorry to see that your mom went to her eternal home. She was a beautiful lady and always so pleasant. Our thoughts and prayers for all of you that God will bless and comfort you always remembering the great times you had as a family.
Ruben and June Opp
Marcy Stabler Parks says
Pam, Doreen, and families, I am so sorry! Your mom was a special lady! My heart goes out to all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Jackie Stroh says
So sorry to hear about the Loss of your Mother.My Prayers and Heart go out to you through the days ahead in your sorrow.
Kym and Scott Crevier says
Pam and Family
Your Mom was a very special lady. She touched many hearts and lives in her lifetime. She was always a very fond memory of my childhood. Treasure your memories.
Cristina Burns says
Doreen and Family,
Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keep Midland Beautiful Board and Staff
Vickie Gunderson says
Pam and family, although we didn’t know your Mom, we’ve heard wonderful things about her. We’re so sorry for your loss..hugs to you💔
Ginger and Joe Kiel says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. We are so sorry for your loss. Marian will always be in your hearts.
Joe and Cathi Peila says
We are so so sorry for your loss. Marian was such a “classy lady”. We first knew her at the PCA, then later at Eagles Manor and then as she so willingly shared her talents with the residents in HRH Extended Care. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy of family. Losing a mom is really hard, no matter at what stage in life we are. Hugs and prayers!!!
Darcy Huckins Corbridge says
Doreen, Pam, and family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. Although it’s been too many years since I had seen her, I remember her as such a nice lady who always had a smile. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Harriet Jansen says
Sorry to hear of Marians passing. Loss of a friend.
Jenny Hickox says
Marian was such a kind soul. Being a resident herself at Cottonwood, I watched her many times lend a helping hand to another resident. She loved playing games with my children. I remember the time Westin took his beyblades and arena to Cottonwood. She wanted to see what it was all about and joined in on several rounds with him. Always in our hearts, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Love to all.
Sandy Rabe says
Pam and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. May God give you comfort in wonderful memories. God Bless you all.
Cheryl Rainey Yasuda says
Doreen, Pam and families,
May the sweet memories you share bring comfort. She left quite a legacy of love for her family.
Mary and Don Luhr says
So sorry to hear of her death, but she is with her Lord. I enjoyed her at Ladies Guild, giving hugs and listening to her play. She will be missed by many.
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
Pam and family so sorry for your loss
Kathy Damm Culy says
Doreen ,Pam and family’s,
I’m am so sorry for your loss of your beautiful mother.
May your memories carry you thru this hard time 😘
Rena Medearis says
Was sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. I got to know her a little bit at Cottonwood. She would be sitting at the table and we would exchange a few words and a smile. God be with you through this difficult time.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
I’m so sad that your Mom, grandmother and friends of the Family have lost this sweet little
Keep your memories close to your heart and you will find comfort in them.
Claudia Melcher Salveson says
My heartfelt sympathy in your loss of your mom and grandmother. She was a special lady and I always enjoyed our times together with music and Don Belcher.
Anita Scheeler says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. She was always so nice to everyone. Our prayers are with you all!
Anita and Jim Scheeler
Anita and Jim Scheeler says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. She was always so nice to everyone. Our prayers are with you all!
David Harasymczuk says
Doreen Pam and fam
Loved your maMa. Always felt welcome. Fondest memories with Squeaky Deke and hanging on the porch chatting. Bless you girls always
Mike & Patsy Davis says
Pam and family,
Our sincere condolences to all of you in the loss of your dear, sweet Mother and Grandmother.
Pete and June Minow says
Pam and family,
So sorry for the loss of your sweet mom. Marion was such a nice and beautiful lady. Her musical talent will be remembered by many. God bless and comfort you in the days ahead.
Denise Harvey says
She was always so kind and thoughtful!
Prayers for comfort with cherished memories.
Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to Marian’s family at this time and in the days ahead. Cherish the memories!
Kim Stanton says
Dear Families,
Peace be with you as you celebrate the life of a much-loved mother and grandmother. She lived such a commendable life, and her goodness and love continues on in each of you. May your hearts be filled with the Lord’s comfort, compassion and healing.
With loving sympathy,
Kim, Kyle, Kasey and Christina Stanton
Deb Jerrel says
Pam and family… so sorry for your loss💔
Mary (Kings) Grube says
Pam and family:
I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a sweetheart. May God comfort you all through this time of grief.
Cheryl Lesh-Clark says
Pinkham Family,
I remember her always looking meticulous and happy. She was a true gift to Mom at the Eagles Manor and will be greatly missed. Peace and love to you all as you grieve this loss.
Cheryl Tonn says
I think of how many occasions over the years that Marian blessed our families with her music and her lovely voice. Weddings, funerals, baptisms, confirmations, holidays. I enjoyed choir with her as director, organist and fellow singer. She was a faithful servant to say the least! I hope you can take comfort knowing she surely has a special place in heaven!
Loree Jeffers says
Rod, Doreen and Pam, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Marian was a beautiful, sweet lady. I always enjoyed visiting with her when I was in MC. She had a beautiful voice and was a great organist. She will always be in your heart. Keep all those great memories close to you. She will be missed.❤️