Mary Ann Boyum was born May 28, 1944 in Ogden Utah to George and Jerry Boyum. She passed away July 1st, 2018 at Holy Rosary hospital after a brief illness. She joined a sister Paula in the family. Her family moved to McCone City after her father’s discharge from the Army. The next move was to Nashua and settled at Wiota, where brothers Larry and Terry joined the family. Before attending Nashua Schools, Mary Ann went to a one room country school for the First Grade where she learned the beautiful cursive she wrote with her whole life. She loved writing letters and always did so with a beautiful hand. She attended Nashua Grade School and High School until her marriage to Kenneth Tangen in June of 1961. They made their home in Billings Montana for about two years before returning to Ft. Peck to make their home. Melinda was born in 1962, Kelly in 1964 and LaRae in 1968.
Mary Ann went back to High School and got her diploma in 1972. She was very proud of that and enjoyed going to school with kids she had often babysat as a teenager. In 1977 Mary Ann and the girls moved to Miles City so she could fulfill her dream of becoming a cosmetologist. She had practiced on neighbors, and family for years, why not get a license? She attended Junes Beauty College in downtown Miles City. Often coming home with strangely colored hair and cuts, when someone in her class needed practice. Her girls were glad they were no longer the test models! She always kept her cosmetology license current even after she was a counselor. She used to say it was always a good idea to have a back-up job if something else didn’t work out. Shortly after graduating from Beauty College, she took a job at Pine Hills School as a Cottage Parent. It was during this time she became interested in counseling and began taking classes at Miles Community College. She earned her Associates Degree and later became a licensed Drug and Alcohol counselor. So, began her life’s legacy of helping others over the many years. She touched countless lives with her love, her humor and her generosity.
Mary Ann loved her part time jobs too. She was a natural born saleswoman. Over the years she sold Tupperware, Home Interiors and Gifts, Avon, and Creative Memories to name a few. Her favorite though was working at Murdoch’s during the Christmas season wrapping gifts and gabbing with everyone who came by the gift wrap table. In the spring she worked in the greenhouse with the plants and gabbed with everyone who came by to get plants! Whenever there was a fundraiser for her grand kids, she’d take the flier to coffee and sell like crazy. She enjoyed gardening, scrapbooking, making homemade cards, writing letters, playing pinochle, crocheting, embroidery, canning and cooking. Her potato salad was the requested item at every family gathering.
She was a proud patriotic American. She was a member of the VFW and the Eagles Club for many years and always wore a poppy on Remembrance Day. Many friendships were forged over a cup of coffee and a smoke. She never knew a stranger. She had a beautiful smile and an infectious laugh. She encouraged people and made them feel good about themselves often in the worst times of their lives. She was a wonderful mother, friend, grandma, and great-grandma. She was our champion, she will forever be missed. Whether you knew her as Mary Ann, Mary, M.A.W. or Mom, once she knew you, you were part of her “tribe”.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, George and Jerry Boyum, her sister Paula and infant daughter, her much loved Aunts; Gert, Anna Lee and Cecil, and her husband Wes Wells. She is survived by brothers Larry and Terry, her daughters; Melinda Tangen of Miles City, MT. Kelly Tangen (Hedge) of Denver, CO. LaRae Tangen of Mile City, MT. Her Grandchildren: Jerri Hogue, Erin Hedge, Garrett Hogue, Lauren Hedge, and Katelyn Matzen. Her Great Grandchildren: Preston, Alexa, Shelby and Alara; Nieces and Nephews: Lonnie Banks, Julie Solberg Franklin, Larry Solberg, Merrie Beth Golling, Naomi Boyum, Kathy Boyum Adkins, Raymond Boyum, Joe Boyum Great Nieces and Nephews, many friends and adopted “kids” she loved dearly. Matt and Randi Madsen, thank you for taking such good care of her.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will be held at a later date in the Riverview Cemetery in Circle. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials may be made to: Trinity Lutheran Classical School, Grace Bible Church 3 and 1 or Wake up and Lace Up.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 6, 2018
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 6, 2018
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
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James L Arneson says
What a great loss, MAW was a mentor, a teacher, a caring person who gave so much of her heart, soul and time to so many. I will miss the phone calls, the visits, the text messages, but most of all your wonderful smile and friendly greetings. May God comfort you and hold you in his arms. Rest in peace my friend, go with God.
Diane Welbes says
Thoughts and Prayers for all of you.
Jannell Hedstrom says
You have always been someone I looked up to Mary Ann….always there for me, to love me, guide me, tough love me, support me…..make me laugh. I have never seen my life with out you. We are blessed to have our lives touched by such an amazing person. You gave so much to heal a lot of people and fought hard for a lot of lives….including my own. I will never forget what you have done for me and your love and words are always embedded in my heart. You will forever be missed and I love you…❤❤
And on behalf of my parents: Jack and Sharon Hedstrom. You have always been part of our family. My mother’s best friend. They loved you dearly. The kind of friendship that is genuine. “We will see you again…keep the coffee hot my friend…..Love you”?
Tom Kathy Strub says
So sorry for your loss. I loved Mary Ann. Hugs and prayers for you all. Lotsa coffee and dancin going on in heaven!
Sandra Whitney says
MAW was a wonderful woman and friend. Prayers to all at this most difficult time. Remember her always.
Julie says
61085 Finlayson Rd
Julie says
Auntie was always a huge part of my life all i ever had to do is call her and she would give me the best advice and make me laugh and she would say I love you before we would hang up .SHE WILL BE MISSED .
Peggy Certain says
To all of her girls with deepest sympathy on your great loss. I have known & loved her for over 40 years. Always enjoyed visiting with her, her smile and laughter. She was always fun to be around. May God bring you comfort.
Kally says
So sorry, Melinda
joe jerrel says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to all.
Wanda Ayers says
Mary Ann you were truly one of a kind! Someone who gave so much to so many. We have lost an amazing person. My thoughts and prayers to your family.
Swanson Family says
Mary Ann, many years ago you showed me that I was worth so much more than I thought I was. You showed me I was worthy as a mother, friend and daughter. Thank you for believing in me when I couldn’t. I’m thankful we had so many coffee mornings together and I will forever carry you in my heart. My love and prayers to your girls, I know you will be sitting up in the big blue sky enjoying your morning cup of Joe watching over them.
Kendra Walker says
LaRae & Melinda – you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers ???? Your mom was truly an amazing person! I will cherish all the memories I have of her! She was a good friend of my mom’s – and I can remember all of us hanging out at her office or at Gallaghers! We would play the keno machines, drink coffee and laugh! I will miss her and know that I loved her! Please say hello to my mom and dad???
Carol Bean says
LaRae, I did not know your mother but I do know you. Knowing you as the kind and giving person that you are, I know your mom had to have been amazing. Love and hugs.❤❤
Gene & Vickie Schneidt says
Huge loss to the community….simply heartbreaking. Mary Ann was truly one of a kind. Hugs & Prayers to her family.
Stewart-Miller says
MAW had a major impact on me. She fiercely loved her tribe and truly had a heart of gold. Losing someone like her is so hard, I can only imagine how her family feels. I’ll miss how excited I was to see her,and her stories and advice. She was loved by so many people. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Darbie Karch says
Sending prayers to Mary Ann ‘s family. Heaven gained another special angel and she will be missed by all. A very giving lady with s big heart. RIP Mary Ann.
Renee Bliven says
So sorry for your lost. She was a blast to be around.
David and Punky Mann says
MAW I miss you horribly but I know you will continue to guide us. Love you!!! So very sorry Rest In Peace
Peggy Smotherman says
Melinda and family….we are sorry to hear of your Mom, Gramma, and greatgrandmas passing. you are all in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Mary Ann
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families. Your mom was great lady!
Justina Tuttle says
Larae,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Her laugh was infectious!
The Dalbec Family says
So very sorry. Thoughts and prayers for the family. RIP Mary Ann.
Jan & Rob says
Melinda and family, so sorry for the loss of such a special person in your lives. May your treasured memories comfort you ?
Josephine Meidinger says
Melinda ,Kelly, LaRae and families So sorry to hear about Mary Ann passing She was a very kind lady and would help anyone if they needed it She will be missed . You are all in my thoughts and prayers RIP Dear Friend
Karen Revious says
I babysat the girls. Mary Ann was always one of my favorite Fort Peck Moms. Never knew what to expect, but it was always good. So many memories. Hugs to you all.
Gloria says
Melinda, Jerri, Alexa, Alara and all of Mary Ann’s family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love and Hugs!!!
Rebecca Gookin says
So very sorry for your loss, LaRae and family.
We will miss Mary Ann, and her wit and humor.
You are all in our prayers.
Jan Munroe says
LaRae, Melinda, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. MAW was a joy to know. She called it like she saw it and managed to do it with a sense of humor. May you find comfort in your loss that she is at last at HOME.
Marcia says
My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time. I am so sorry for to hear of your loss. I hope you find comfort in your precious memories as well as in God’s promises for the future. Revelation 21:4
Evelyn Neary says
Mary Ann will be missed by a great many people. She changed a lot of lives, all for the better. She was an openly honest, deeply caring person who never failed to find the humor in a situation. I enjoyed working with her, she always kept things interesting! I’m sure she’s already taking charge in heaven, she certainly has earned the right. Deepest Sympathy.
Randy & Janet Randi and Rachel Stanhope says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Mary Ann touched so many lives and will truly be missed.
Mary Beth Cline James says
Kelly, Melinda, and LaRae-
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. I know she was well loved by her family. Sending you prayers during this difficult time.
Megan Berg King says
What a wonderful tribute to your mom! Prayers to her girls and all who loved her!
Merrie Jo Bantz says
Our memories of Mary Ann will forever dwell in our hearts and minds. RIP Mary Ann. May God wrap his loving arms around Melinda, Kelly, LaRae and all her loved ones as we adjust to life without her physical presence
.
Julie Krutzfeldt says
I worked with Mary Ann at Pine Hills and always loved her humor and friendly approach to both life and her friends. We have remained friends and enjoyed sharing memories at the coffeeshop. I loved her laugh and admired her dedication to her family. Mary Ann will be missed by many. My sympathy and love to all.
Diana Robinette says
Mary Ann Wells Going to miss the times we bumped into each other and the great visits, the memories of Ft. Peck, all the great work you did counseling, being there at night when someone needed to talk, and you will always be remembered as Aunt Bea, you worked as an Angel down here now you have your Angel wings, you will be missed.
Deb Keeler & Lonnie Banks says
The first time I met MAW she embraced me with a big smile, hug and a “welcome to the family” that was six years ago in Miles City. Her nephew, (Lonnie) and I were fortunate enough to visit with her every summer since then, meeting her at one of the local shops in town when we were passing through.
MAW was genuine, kind and would say it as she saw it-I admired her integrity.
She is deeply missed but I know she surrounds us in spirit when we call upon her.
Rest in peace MAW we love you!
Deb & Lonnie
Jana Mueller says
I attended classes with Mary Ann many years ago and I always enjoyed visiting with her. She was always so upbeat and smiling. Over the years we would run into each other and catch up. She had such a great smile! LaRae and all of Mary Ann’s family, My condolences. I shall keep you in my prayers. ~ Jana Mueller Huss
Treba Hollowell says
Dear Kelly, Melinda, and LaRae,
Mary Ann was such a bright light! She had the best laugh! Miles City will miss her. I have many fun memories with your mom. Hugs to you three!
Lisa says
LaRae and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Melinda and all of Mary Ann’s Family,
So sorry to hear about your mom. Loved to visit with her. She was a neat lady.
I know she will me missed by so many!
Cherish your memories. God Bless you all.
Sue Jens says
Sorry for your loss. Mary Ann was a wonderful counselor to the boys at Pine Hills, she knew how to help them, most of all she listened to what they said, which is most important in being a counselor, but was also demanding of them . She was a kick, a great sense of humor & always fun to be around. Her laugh was infectious & you could hear it throughout the halls.
merrie beth golling says
Mary Ann was my favorite Aunt i wish i had been fortunate to spend more time with her. My thougts and prayers go out to her and family.
Alexa LaRae Keith says
she was a good grandma and i miss scrapbooking with her and getting coffee with her