The service will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/stevensonandsons/.
Marie Margaret Elwood, age 89, of Miles City passed away on Monday, November 2, 2020 after a brief bout with cancer at the Holy Rosary Extended Care surrounded by her family with her loving husband of 66 years holding her hand.
Marie was born in Council Bluff, Iowa on May 19, 1931, the daughter of Carl and Amy (Sindergard) Hansen. She grew up and attended schools in Iowa. Following high school, she attended Iowa State Teachers College where she received a two year diploma in 1951. Marie married Ken Elwood on June 13, 1954 in Council Bluff, Iowa. Chris joined the family in March of 1955 and Jeanie was born March of 1972, seventeen years and two days after Chris. She attended Eastern Montana College, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. She received additional credits from the University of Montana, Western Montana College and Miles Community College. She taught in Ogden and Spencer, Iowa; Wichita, Kansas and in Miles City School District #1 at Garfield and Lincoln Schools. Marie was the Superintendent of Schools in Custer County from 1977 – 1984. She later worked for DEAP as a family support specialist, Coordinator for Evolution and Diagnoses Team from 1984-1993.
Marie was very involved in the community and served on many boards including the Miles City Foster Care Project Board and School District #1 Trustee from 1989-1995. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, superintendent, President of UMW and was on the District Mission Team. She was also on the rural schools advisory board for Western Montana College from 1980-84; Co-chairman area study committee on Educational Program for 11-15 year olds; and was on the Statewide Committee for developing curriculum for rural schools. Marie was named Outstanding Young Educator in 1965 by the Miles City Junior Chamber of Commerce; she represented the county superintendents at National conference Excellence In Education called by Pres. Reagan 1984; received an award from Montana Association of School Business Officials – Outstanding Service 1984 and received the Marvin Heintz Award for Outstanding service as school board member in 1993. She was Vice President of Nu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Marie was a mother and teacher to everyone she met. She had a true gift of hospitality. Everyone that came to her home was welcome and didn’t leave without a meal or snack. She loved her family, her students, her friends and co-workers and the staff at HRRL. She was a selfless giver and always believed that no matter what the Lord doth provide. She left a legacy of generosity of heart, a love of learning and devotion to God.
Marie is survived by her husband Ken Elwood of Miles City, MT; a son Chris (Diana) Elwood of Volborg, MT; a daughter Jean Sorensen of Miles City, MT; a special niece Sue (Scott) Jens of Billings, MT; a sister Emmy Lou Thomas of Kansas City, MO; six grandchildren, three great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers: Edward and Theodore Hansen.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 9, 2020 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Foster Care Program or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday November 9, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 10, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday November 9, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 10, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Lynn Anderson says
Ken, Chris, Diane and Family,
Words cannot express how much Marie meant to me, my son and especially to my Dad. Ken and Marie were more than “Table Mates” of his at the nursing home, they were “family”. I have missed all the special times we spent together at meal time sharing stories and giving out hugs. I will miss Marie and her beautiful smile and love. I know that she is now rejoicing in heaven with her Lord and Savior and my Dad (& Mom) were there to welcome her home. My love and prayers go out to her family, especially to Ken – we love and miss you!!! God be with you all and grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Until we meet again on the other side…..
Diane Welbes says
Sorry to hear about your loss. May it comfort you to know that I care.
Pamela Ash says
Such a nice lady! She always had kind and uplifting words when I would see her at DEAP. She made the world a better place.
Pam
Judy Toennis says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Marie was a very kind person always very warm & friendly.
Don bidwell says
Marie was a key resource for me as I learned how to conduct the county superintendent office We have lost an angel in our world. Rip sweet lady
Sherry Oster says
To Marie’s family;
I want to express my sincere sympathy of the loss of Marie! She was an amazing person and had a huge impact on my life. She was always eloquent and caring no matter where she was or what she was doing, she always took the time to greet me and ask me about my life! She had a compassion for education and loved sharing as much as she could about her experiences. I believe she was an angel on earth and I will miss her greatly! I will always remember her warmth and devotion!
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal…..my sincere condolences.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
To Marie’s family, our deepest sympathy at your loss. Marie was such a good friend, she worked across the hall from me when she worked at Deap. Marie would stop every day and say good morning and see how I was doing,I do not have enough good to say about her. She was a neighbor to my son and his family for 14 year. You are in our thoughts and prayers, heaven has a special place for Marie.
Karla Johnson says
Marie was my first grade teacher at Garfield school! She is my favorite teacher. She would see me when I worked at big sky pharmacy call me by my sisters name then she said oh no Karla ! She will be missed a lot !! My prayers are with her family. Karla Allen Johnson
Mary Ann Liles says
To Marie’s family and friends, we send our sincere sympathy. She had such a wonderful spirit and I always loved having a phone call or a visit with her. The “angel” reference is spot-on. What a wonderful lady. Prayers to all her loved ones.
Mary Ann & Jim Liles
SheaLee Korell says
To Marie’s Family, I took care of Marie and Ken for a brief 10 months at the ECU. Marie and I built an amazing connection. I heard stories that ranged from teaching, her dreams and aspirations to her and Kens love story. I could listen to her tell me that same story over and over again. The way her eyes still shined with love when she talked about him never seemed to amaze me. We talked often about what makes their relationship last and she’s always tell me “we are happy wherever, as long as we are together” prayers and condolences. What a great woman she was, Marie will truly be missed.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
What a great lady.
Dick Thulesen says
A nice lady my neighbor in high school always cheerful we shared the same birthday
Michele Mickolio says
Marie was an Angel on earth. Heaven is a better place with her there. I loved visiting with her at DEAP when she would fill in at the front desk. She was so caring and kind. She was radiant with God’s love. She had a way about her that made me just want to sit and visit with her all day. She was so knowledgeable and willing to share her experiences. I feel blessed to have known her. My deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends during this difficult time praise God and hang on tight to your precious memories of that sweet sweet lady. She will be missed!
Cori Hanel Brubaker says
What a wonderful woman!! She was always so cheerful. I will always remember her as my 1st grade teacher at Garfield School. Sympathy to your family.
Marie root says
I had the good fortune of having “Mrs. Elwood” for my teacher at garfield school about 60 years ago and i LOVED her! I have the double good fortune of sharing first names with marie and so, as the decades progressed, we maintained contact and connection, getting together for ladies lunch when i was home (she being the lady) until she and mr. Elwood moved to the ECU last year. It’s been an honour to have been “kept on” by such an incredible person, and miles city has been most fortunate to have had her as an integral community member all these years. My condolences to family and friends and rest in peace, dear marie.
James Arneson says
What a great loss. I had so many good visits with Marie during her term on the school board and after. This news saddens so many who knew her. May God comfort her family now and always.
Dallas and Karen says
Condolences to all of the family. Such wonderful tributes for such a precious lady. I didn’t know her personally but am very fond of Chris and Dianna. They are the cream of the crop. As I am sure the rest of the family is. Love and prayers to all.
Jackie Stroh says
To dear sweet Marie to Ken and your extended family How much I enjoyed taking care of Marie at Holy Rosary Residential Living she was always so bright up beat, positive and had a sparkle in her eyes till the very last day I took care of her will greatly miss you Marie! My condolences go out to you the family what a lovely charming intellectual lady she was will miss my conversations with her!
Denise Harvey says
What a precious lady! She left our community a better place and she will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful woman with us. Marie loved her family and her community and always was so helpful and kind. Never once did we meet that she did not visit with her genuine passion and love for others. I will miss her sweet voice!
She will always be a fierce and passionate guardian angel for all of you!
Kennedy Jens says
Aunt Marie I cannot express in words what you meant to me. I will miss stopping by and visiting. Birthday and Christmas cards. Your hugs and kisses. All of it. You have and will always be in my heart and mind.
Dent Timberman says
Marie always brightened up the room and made everyone feel loved. She gave me words of wisdom years ago, don’t complain about it, either fix it or decide to live with it and move on. I see her clothed in glory and having a grand visit with my Mom!
Jane R. says
She was the most amazing lady. She would give me the tiny stuffed animals she would win at bingo for my 2 little girls. I miss her so much already and I will never forget how kind and wonderful she was. It was an honor to see her ever night at supper when I would deliver her and Ken’s meal. 💕 She always told me how special I was and that I had a great heart. She made me feel like I was making a difference every time I worked in the hospital in the dietary department delivering trays. Love and prayers to your family.
Hazel Stabler says
Marie always had a way of making you think you were the most special person. She taught both of my children, Kenny and Marcy in 1st grade and was their favorite teacher of all times. Her beautiful smile will be missed by many.
Sylvia Landa says
My deepest sympathy go out to Marie’s family. She was so kind and caring.
Pam Rogge says
My condolences and prayers to Marie’s family. The majority of the posts here have mentioned how caring Marie was, always concerned how everyone’s family was and if everything was going ok – so true! She was so sincere and loving in this manner and a woman of tremendous faith. May you rest in peace Marie and God Bless!
Steve + Lucy Jessen says
Chris, Diana, Amanda and Jake:
Our limited contact with Marie was enough for us to see and admire the depth of her integrity and her character. And we see it again today in her son and his wife, her grandchildren, and when it is passed on through your examples, to her great-grandchildren. You were blessed to have her in your lives. Be comforted in knowing that the best of her lives in you!
Paul and Sharla Helland says
Deepest Sympathy to Marie’s family.
Kathy Ugrin says
I only knew her as Aunt Marie.
Whenever I would run into her she’d always greet me with a smile and when I would stop at her home to visit her niece Sue she’d welcome me in as if I were family. I already knew she was a great lady before I ever met her because of her niece and others and how they always spoke so highly of her.
Prayers being said for Aunt Marie and her family
Doug Benge says
To Marie’s Family:
I best knew Marie as a co-board member on the school board. When she spoke, wisdom came out. I particularly remember a time when we were considering instituting a breakfast program. I wasn’t in favor and commented that everyone can get a bowl of cornflakes in the morning at home. Very politely, and accurately, she said, “that is, if there are any cornflakes in the cupboard.” Lesson learned! A great asset to Miles City. She will be missed.
Doug Ellingson says
Our condolences on your loss of Marie. She served her community willingly and well. She will be missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Diane and Doug Ellingson
Jan Munroe says
Marie was one of my earliest friends when we moved her. I enjoyed her leadership as Ctn. Supt. of Schools and her delightful teas. What a lovely lady.
Duane Parker says
Mrs. Elwood was such a sweet kind and caring person. I had a wonderful relationship with her since she was my fist grade teacher. I play ball with Chris her son all the way though high school. It did not matter where or when we seen each other, she would always say I know you by your cute smile that I remember you by. When ever I helped my sister delivered flowers to her and Ken that the kids or whoever sent to her, my sister would say let Duane take them to her. I would have to make it my last delivery because we would also have to sit and visit awhile. One time on Mother’s Day I took flowers to her and they had a bad storm that broke a bunch of branches down blocking the street and sidewalk. After taking her the flowers she said she was mad at the city for not cleaning up the mess. I told her she should not get so mad, I think that was the first time I ever saw her mad. So I went to my brother Jim’s house ask if I could use his pickup and chain saw and the two of us went and cut up the branches and hauled them away. She wanted to pay us and we said there is no way we would take any money for that. But the next day her and showed up at the flower shop with fired chicken dinner for the shop to eat. I loved her with my whole heart and will miss her. My prayer go out to all of her family in these sad times. God Bless you Mrs. Elwood I hope some day I will see you in heaven.
Sheila (Beauchot) Hagemeister says
Out of 5 of us “Birchey” girls, Mrs Elwood was the first grade teacher for 4 of us. She made each of us feel so special and made our first experience with school such a great one. The only reason she did not get all 5 of us was that our family moved across town. I remember that for Valentines she worked with us to create our own Post Office for the school in our classroom. We put together boxes and covered them with freezer paper so we had a Real Post office. All the other students in the building would “mail” their valentines in our first grade room and it was our job to sort and take the valentines to the different classrooms and deliver them to the Valentines sacks with the person’s name on them. I used to stop in her classroom as I grew up and helped her grade papers every once in a while. One of the funny stories that happened when I was in first grade is my mom and dad arrived at a teachers conference and Marie said to my dad that she pictured him much older and when he said why is that? She replied that when she was teaching her class about George Washington Sheila piped up that her dad went to school with George! It is something my dad learned the hard way that everything you say will get to the classroom. Mrs Elwood would always grin when she said that she probably knew before most that my mom was expecting. I think that is why she really wanted to teach all of us 5 girls. Mrs Elwood made a huge impact being 1st grade teacher for the majority of us girls. She was there when my grandmother was so tired of our name being pronounced one way and spelled a different way. So when Kathy (4) was her student our name went from being pronounced Birchey to being pronounced Beauchot. It was a huge change for all of us. However still to this day Marie would still say there is one of my Birchey girls. Each one of us will miss that sparkling smile and the comfort of a hug from Marie. She made a big impact in our lives. Thank you from Sheila Hagemeister, Linda Stokes, JoAnn Gresens, Kathy Casilas, Cindy Greider from the whole Beauchot family
Emmy Thomas says
EMMY LOU LOVES YOU
I Will always remember the summer vacations we had coming to M0NTANA AND BEING WITH ALL OUR FAMILYS. Memories are all we have. AND THAT Is all we need. YOU AND I HAD SO MUCH FUN TALKING ON THE PHONE RENENBERING SOME OF THE THINGS IN OUR LIVES AND LAUGHING ABOUT THEM. WELL SO NOW i WILL BW MEETING YOU ONE OF THESE DAYS .
lOVING yOU
UMMER VACATIL ALWAYS MISS YOU AND REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES FROM OUR CHILDHOOD ANd HE SUMMER VACATIONS TO LA KE OKIBOJI ANDWHEN YOU ALL CAME HOME TO FAIRMOUNT Ave,
Richard Albrecht says
Marie will be missed by all of us. She was our mother’s best friend starting when they taught school together at Garfield. Whenever any of us were home from college, we were always invited to Ken and Marie’s house for a dinner. In later years, after my folks had died, I often stayed at their place on my way through Miles City. She was a kind, generous person, as many have pointed out in their thoughts and comments. Spending an evening or day with Kenny and Marie was a treat and a pleasure. I’m just sorry that Kenny is now alone. I’m sure he misses her more than anyone. God’s Blessings to you, Kenny.
Judy Albrecht Rosenthal says
Kenny and Marie were best friends with my parents Ruth and Al Albrecht. We have wonderful pictures of them camping & boating at Georgetown Lake. Marie & Mom team taught at Garfield school before team teaching was a thing. There was always dinner at Kenny & Marie’s when we came home to visit. What wonderful friends all these years. Take good care Kenny, Chris Jeannie & families.
Tanya Russiff says
Marie was a true ambassador in so many arenas.
When Don and I moved down the street, she always had time for a chat on her walks.
There with a helping hand and words of encouragement.
So glad to have had the opportunity to know you!
Many fond memories.
John Travinsky says
To Elwood Family: My sincere condolences on the loss of Marie. She was a wonderful person and member of my extended family. I shall miss her always. I hope the Lord comforts you all in this trying time.
Donna Gall says
I am so saddened to hear that we lost this wonderful lady. We were neighbors for over 30 years. I’m sending prayers to Ken and family.
Brooke Bartholomew says
I felt lucky to have met Marie here at DEAP and then see her around the community so often. She was a giver and will be missed by many!
Sonny Lockwood & Sandy Stahl says
Chris, Diana and family – We know from reading the obituary and comments from her friends that we have truly missed out on knowing someone special. Our thoughts are with you.
Melinda Tangen says
Marie was one of the first people I met when I moved to Miles City. What a kind and wonderful lady.
Beth Riggs says
I knew Marie through church. She was a Naomi sister and the faithful treasurer for many years. She also hosted the most gracious Christmas dinners, sit down, delicious food and a pretty gift for everyone. She was a prayer warrior and led the phone prayer chain for a long time. She was filled with a generous joyful loving spirit that always encouraged me. I pray that
God will bring comfort and peace to the friends and family left behind. I believe that she’s an angel now welcoming people in heaven.
Bonnie Russiff Schott says
So many fond memories of Marie – I adored her for so many reasons. Such a beautiful person – on the inside and outside. My sympathies to Ken and all of Marie’s family.
Jerry and Bev Collins says
We have so many wonderful memories that there is not enough room to write, but one thing we know that she was an Angel on earth, and Heaven is a better place because she is there, and where she will be walking with the lord and now out of pain and at eternal peace. We have loved her from the time we met her, and one of the sweetest people we have known. she had such a loving spirit, and a person who was always thinking of others.
I(Bev) talked with her almost every day and she would always ask “How are you doing” and would mention all of my family even when it was hard to talk and was so grateful for her showing the love that she has in the short time we have lived here. Such a women of great Faith and Grace. Just an amazing lady, and will miss her so very much as all who have known her will.
Our love and sympathies to Kenny and all of her family who adored her so very much.
May the message that you hear today bring comfort, love and the peace that you seek.
Blessings
Bev and pastor Jerry Collins
Mary Setera says
Condolences to Marie’s family. She was such a gracious lady and made everyone she met feel special with her warm, loving, caring smiles and words.
Ardel Hilderbrand says
I knew Marie for many years but never “got to know her” until recently. What a great lady! Before covid hit us, I was playing piano each week at Extended Care. Marie was one of my most enthusiastic cheerleaders. It was such a pleasure to be around she and Ken….so up-lifting! I will treasure that connection forever. My condolences to Ken and the family. Deljean Hilderbrand
Jan C. Johnson says
Dear Ken and family,
My condolences for the loss of a truly charming and delightful person. We first met when Ken and Marie had the greenhouse on Tompy. Further chances to be a part of her gentle ways and sunny disposition were forthcoming when Ken & I were in retail together. It was a real pleasure to know her.