Mary Ann McCullough passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus, Montana, where she had resided for the last seven months. Thank you to the team at Powder River Manor for the support and care you provided.
Mary Ann McCullough was born June 29, 1935 in Van Buren, Arkansas to Harlan Irion and Helen Yerby. Though Mary Ann was not born in Montana, she was Montana through and through. They moved to the Mizpah in the winter of 1938. Many mornings the water pail was iced over. Her Dad would get up and build a fire first thing in the morning and break that ice which was hauled in from the Mizpah river.
Mary Ann started school in 1941 at the Irion school. She and her brother Bobby rode double horse back to school. A lot of shenanigans were had during those rides.
Mary Ann moved to Broadus in 1942. Right after moving to the town of Broadus, Montana, Mary Ann received a little sister, Glenda Sue. The family was complete.
Mary Ann went to high school at Broadus High School graduating as valedictorian in 1953. Mary Ann continued her education to become a teacher with a masters in education, specializing in reading.
Harold McCullough and Mary Ann Irion were married in 1955. Harold and Mary Ann built a home in Ashland Montana in 1965. Mary Ann had two children, Tami McCullough and Tara McCullough-Wells (Rick). Mary Ann also has a “son” Tommy Yellowtail who was a part of the family. Tami had two children, Lonnie and Kim. Lonnie and his son James still reside in Ashland, Montana ,and Kimberly lives in Colorado with her cousin.
Mary Ann spent several years as a rural school teacher at Billup school and Coalwood school in Montana . She then became a special ed teacher in Colstrip Montana. Retiring in 1994, Mary Ann continued working as the secretary of the school and substituting when needed. She was on the Ashland water board for 35 +years as well as the clinic and education boards. Mary Ann took great pride as a teacher. And, she was a great one at that!
Mary Ann was a pillar of the community in Ashland Montana for many years. She was always willing to give a helping hand and often had witty remarks to share. To this day, many people stop by her house to see how she was doing. She was well loved.
There are many who have supported Mary Ann. The Seidl girls, Nancy and Ann, have been wonderful and there when needed. Thank you to Kim Studiner for acting as Mary Ann‘s personal PA. So many people were instrumental In caring for Mary Ann in her later years. You are so appreciated.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband Harold, brother Bobby, her two children, Tami and Tara and niece Lara. Surviving family include her sister Glenda Sue Somers, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Kimberly, Lonnie, James, Grayson, Shay, and of course, Lonnie Junior. The is also survived by nieces and nephews Kyra, Doug, Kristi and Harla, and several cousins.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Saint Labre, Ashland, Montana. No services are planned at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a time to be determined.
Debbie (Bixby) Young says
Shaynna and Lonnie,I am so sorry to hear about Maryann’s passing. My love and prayers are with you. Love Grandma Debbie Young.
Duane and Sue Allred says
Some of my children had Mrs Mac as their teacher and they all loved her. She cared about her students and they are all better people for it. She was a very nice teacher and lady and will be missed.
Cora Mae Smith Ofstie says
I’ve known Mary Ann all my life. Her sister Glenda & I are best friend & Mary Ann & my cousin Marilyn Smith were best friends. Mary Ann touched so many of us in so many ways. I love You Mary Ann❤️ Even though You & Marilyn left us in the dust at Uncle Dick’s branding roundup! (They were the big girls 8 years older than Glenda & me) When My Sweet Sister in law, Coila died, it was Mary Ann who consoled me & sat with me at her service. Again when my brother Ken died, Mary Ann was with me & drove me to the cemetery. I can hear her laugh & call me “Corey Mae”. Mary Ann was a wonderful friend & big sister.
I will always miss her.
Judy Bloxham says
Mary Ann devoted many years of support to Ashland Public School. She was always willing to help and did so much for so many. I will remember her laugh and that spunk to stir things up a bit! She will me missed by many in the community.
Michael S Speelman says
RIP Mary Ann my long time neighbor in Ashland when I was growing up I did lots of odd jobs for her. she was a Wonderful Person. Our Families spent many weekends at Tongue River reservoir, boating, fishing and water skiing.
so sad to hear about her Passing. RIP my friend
Georgia Bement says
So sorry to hear of Mary Ann ‘s passing spent lots of time at her house babysitting many many many years ago was a dear friend will always remember when they let me and Darlene borrow it had lots of fun with it even wrecked was so worried to bring it back and tell them we wrecked on it she was more worried about us then the motorcycle was a great lady she’ll be missed by many ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
So sorry to hear about Mary Ann. Her mother, Grandma Helen, was a God send for my Uncle Keith. I will always remember setting her hair in curlers and the stories she would tell me. Mary Ann kept up making sure Uncle Keith had a home after Helen passed. They will always be a part of my “family”.
Patricia Houseman says
To the family of Mary Ann, I am so sorry for the loss of Mary Ann she was a great lady–Patsy Brey
Ken Stokes says
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Mc Cullouggh’s passing. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Andrea Heyneman says
Mary Ann had a huge heart. Her mom was my ‘gramma Helen’. Helen Y took in my mom as a daughter when they worked together at the Powder River courthouse. Mary Ann’s daughter Tara was my classmate, and our hearts broke when Tami passed and Tara was killed in the car wreck. When my mom died, it was May Ann who sat with me and my family, and it meant the world to me. I’ll always remember her voice, affectionately calling me Andy. Most sincere condolences to Glenda, Harla, and Kyra, and Kimmie.
Darwyn Dasenko says
You were a great classmate and did what you could to maintain some degree of behavior in our English class. We that are remaining will remember you.
Nancy Seidl Heideman says
What an awesome person! Most know that there is SO much more to her life than what’s posted here!! A legend in our town of Ashland and the surrounding communities. I posted the picture of her in the headdress, but wasn’t quite sure of the story behind it. Karen (Rukavina.) Informed me that that picture was taken celebrating in Helena in a bar after St. Labre won the class C State basketball championship in 1967. However, the film wasn’t developed until 1969. 😀 Her dedication to all of us that had her as a teacher at St. Labre and other places she taught was invaluable. Keep sharing your memories of her so she will live on in all our hearts.
Karson and Marie Kluver says
Mary Ann was a wonderful teacher and friend. Enjoying visiting with her at school.
Trevor Newman says
I had Mrs. Mac in grade school with Mrs Wagner. She taught me a lot of lessons. One of the highlights of my elementary years was going to stay the night at her house with my brother and a few others and we got to use her gum ball machine. She was the educator that made every kid want to make a difference in this world.
Loren Williams says
This hurts. Mary Ann was a longtime dear friend, a classmates during Broadus Grade School and Broadus High School. Though we have long been separated by many years and many miles (I live in Texas since 1975), we kept in touch via occasional phone calls and a letter now and then. I already miss my friend. I have no other words right now. Maybe later.
Laura Lee Irion Ullrich says
I am so very sorry to hear of Mary Ann’s passing. She was ready to go and be reunited with her family. I enjoyed knowing her most of my life and always loved her pioneer spirit and her ability to welcome all into her fold. I loved hearing her tell stories of the old times and the Irion family. Rest in peace beautiful lady.
Lu Shomate says
I am So sorry to hear of Mrs. Mac’s passing – My kids had her as a teacher and they always called her that. Every year she would let her students stay at her house overnight – one group at a time! Yes, she truly loved her students!!! What a great human, may she Rest in Peace.
Michele says
Sorry to hear of Mary Anns passing. I enjoyed visiting with her when I got the chance. She was a one of a kind and she will be missed. What a glorious gathering in heaven though. Take care and God bless.
Don bidwell says
Mary Ann helped my brother and i used cpr on my dad. She did every thing possible including. Cursing him to breathe we were not successful but not for lack of trying
Don bidwell says
Mary Ann helped nick and I use cpr on my dad not successful But not for lack of trying including cursing him to breathe
Harla somers says
One of the last times I visited my Aunt Mary Ann at her home in Ashland, she asked me to make a pineapple upside down cake. I expressed, I don’t know how to do that. From her recliner, she said I’ll teach you. I listened to every step. Take out the cast and skillet, Butter on the bottom, pineapple rings, etc. Was it the best pineapple upside down cake? Probably not. But it was the most important one I ever made.❤️ love you Auntie Mary Ann
Judy Hayworth says
I so enjoyed my teaching time at Colstrip with Mrs. Mac. She loved her students and wanted the best for each one, such a fine teacher! My condolences to her family.
Janet M Lassen says
I’m so sorry for your loss James and family. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.