Mary Ellen (Chezum) Anderson completed her earthly life on August 1, 2018. She was born on September 13, 1922, in Miles City, to Sherman and Mabel (Coon) Chezum. She lived her childhood years on the family ranch on the Tongue River and attended SH Rural School. She came to Miles City for junior high at Washington School and graduated from Custer County High School in 1940.
On February 25, 1941, she married James (Jimmy) Stewart Anderson. They moved to his childhood ranch at Knowlton and that became her home for the next 77 plus years. She lived through the depression years and WWII and learned to be a very practical and economical person. She was also one of the kindest and most non-judgmental people you could meet.
To their marriage four children were born: Mary Alice, Richard, Donna and Randy. Tragedy struck on May 17, 1967 when son Randy died by drowning. The close-knit Knowlton community, along with other friends and family, rallied around them to help them through the storm. At that point the Urick kids – Joe, Steve, Mary, Kathy and Carol became “family”, filling a void by spending weekends and summers at the ranch.
Mary Ellen and Jimmy were very active in attending their children’s events. They were wonderful dancers, square dancing for many years and dancing to the Old Time Fiddlers music. They were members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mary Ellen was a 4-H leader for 15 years. She was an excellent cook and cooked for everyone who drove in the yard, if they were willing to eat.
During the summer of 2003, the Knowlton Rural School suffered extensive fire damage. Mary Ellen offered her home as a temporary school for the upcoming school year. A classroom was set up upstairs, she housed the teacher and cooked her meals, became “Grandma” to an extra bunch of kids, and fed them lots and lots of treats that didn’t come in their lunch pails.
She was proud to be a charter member of the Locate Knowlton Homemakers Club which was established in 1947. She remained active for 71 years, until her death.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her son Randy; her husband of 60 years, Jimmy; her parents, Sherm and Mabel; three siblings and their spouses: Dorothy and Jim Lee, Gladys and Chet Richards and Dick and Betty Chezum; and her brother-in-law Forest Jones. She also outlived all of the in-laws on her husband side: Harry and Wilma Anderson, Mildred and Mirko Misic, Robert and Louetta Anderson and Kenneth and Jo Anderson. She was also preceded in death by great granddaughter Darian Ellsworth and great, great grandson Kian Gustad, many nieces and nephews and all of the “old timers” from Knowlton, most recently her good friend Bonnie George.
She is survived by one sister, Margaret Jones of Anchorage, Alaska, who she got to go visit in May of this year; three children, Mary Alice (Charles) Grosshans, Richard (Jane) Anderson and Donna (Dave) Nation. Her grandchildren are: Mary Alice’s children: David, Chris and Katie; Richard’s children: Carrie, Jim, Laurie, Randy, Tracy, Ron, Joe, Debbie, Mary and Mark; and Donna’s children: Paul, Janice, Dan, Julie, Eric and Beth. Survivors also include 38 great grandchildren and 18 great great grandchildren.
Mary Ellen was especially grateful for her grandson Jim and his wife Marj who came to work on the ranch in 1995 and took over the operation when Granddad died. Through the last 17 years, they and their children have “kept track of Gramma”.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. A Rosary and Vigil service will follow the visitation at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Interment will follow at the Knowlton Cemetery. Following the graveside service, a potluck picnic will be held at the Knowlton George Park. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Knowlton Cemetery Association, Sacred Heart School or the charity of your choice. Or you could go out dancing, play a game of canasta with friends, bake a dessert and visit neighbors, or raise some chickens.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 8, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 8, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m. Noon
Thursday August 9, 2018
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
110 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 8, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 8, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m. Noon
Thursday August 9, 2018
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
110 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Dewey hurick says
Mary Ellen would make you think that you where her best friend. However, she did that to every body that knew her. Mary Ellen was my best friend. I will miss Mary for the rest of my life. What a lovely lady. So sorry for the family.
Mary Beth Kibler says
Auntie Mayme. She had a wonderful sense of humor and always had time & a smile to share with everyone. I remember Dad telling us proudly that Mayme could mow a field of hay with a team, straighter than anyone. You can bet there is quite a reunion in Heaven with all of her loved ones that went before her. We were planning a trip to see her on the 10th..let this always be a reminder to me not to wait when I get the urge to visit those I love to spend time with…create as many memories as I can in life as memories keep that person close forever.
Eugene Bankey says
Our condolences to the family with our prayers and thoughts. Connie and Gene
Nanci Sloan says
Mary Ellen was one of our special ‘moms’ when we were in high school. Quiet and kind. She and Jimmy are celebrating now, dancing up a storm. ?? Love you, Donna.
Annette Soan says
Anderson Family,
Mary Ellen was a beautiful soul whose legacy will live on in the
lives of those she touched. With heartfelt sympathy.
Craig Dunnam says
Only knew Aunt Maybe for just over 5 years. What a lady! She always had a smile for everyone. She enjoyed visiting and new how to make a person feel comfortable while doing so. Prayers and thoughts to her family and friends.
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
Thinking of you all
Troy and Barb Coyle says
My favorite memory of Aunt Mayme was driving around Seattle when She and I met Aunt Barney for Aunt Gladys funeral. I got extremely lost and turned around and she very sensibly pointed out that the sun was in the west put me back on the right road! She will be missed but I know there is a celebration in heaven right now!
Jeri Anne says
Craig meant Aunt Mayme Auto correct ~ We all miss her already
Bonnie McPartland says
Mary Ellen was always a quiet, strong force in my life. The Busy Bees 4-H Club, Locate-Knowlton Homemakers Club, and Mass said by Fr. Pat, are interwoven with Mary Ellen’s presence. In recent years, she related Locate-Knowlton history to me, which I treasure knowing. June 18, 2018, we had our own potluck lunch at her home in Ismay. It was delicious! The hours of visiting, laughing, and remembering spend by. I cherish it all. Thank you, Mary Ellen, and all the Andersons. You are my beloved friends.
Bonnie Bradshaw McPartland
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
To Mary Ellen’s family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the passing of your beloved Mother and Grandmother. May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care. We are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. The world has lost a truly wonderful person, and a caring heart. Today we all share in your sorrow. May warm memories help soften your sorrow, and may faith help you face each tomorrow.
Elwin & LaVerne "Trink" Hebner says
Marg and Verne are saying, “Welcome home, dear faithful friend.” No doubt they are having a great reunion. And I am saying that we have lost a wonderful lady. There will never be another one like her. Our love and hugs to you all.
Charles John Jonutis says
Mary Beth and Jimmy were the best,you could not find a finer couple.
Patsy George Almy says
So many wonderful memories. Kind, quiet, loving and definitely practical Mary Ellen. When mom gave up trying to teach me to sew, she packed me up. Down the red road we went to the other side of the Knowlton hills. It was always a favorite destination of friendship and fun. Unfortunately, the sewing trip was unsuccessful….not because of the teacher.
Card games being a favorite sport of our families, I can still remember being put into pajamas and bedded down on the couch while the card game continued into the night. I can still feel the warm and safe feeling I felt as I drifted to sleep to the chatter and banter.
One night history was made when Bonnie and Jimmy (always partnered against Buck and Mayme) decided to not cheat. They played an honest game , and won….again. Mary Ellen was so certain that they had cheated AGAIN that she jumped up, gathered up the cards and threw them into the wood stove. Party over.
Well there’s now one party that’s never over. Heaven’s reunion. Bonnie and Mary Ellen are together again. They are the new kids on the block, exploring the glory of eternity, together. The Knowlton family has excitedly gathered to welcome them home. Their long, long journey down the red road is over. Our memories, so dear, are left to comfort us in our loss. How thankful I am for having had their faithful friendship in my life.
Love and prayers to all of the Anderson family.
Sherry Oster says
My condolences to Mary Ellen’s family! She was a jewel of a lady and was an awesome 4-H leader, too. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Maureen O'Reilly says
I thought so much of both Mary Ellen and Jim. We square danced with them and am so glad we did and got to know them better. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.