Mary Jean Woods passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 23rd at Holy Rosary Extended Care after a short illness.
She was born April 19th, 1925 to John and Amy Byrnes in Big Stone City, South Dakota. While still an infant, she moved with her mother to homestead on Sweeney Creek near Rosebud, Montana. She attended country schools in the Sweeney Creek area. She was raised by her mother and step-father, Frank Turner, who was always known as her dad. She attended and graduated from Rosebud High School in 1943. Mary Jean was high school sweethearts with Albert J. Woods who she married on July 13th, 1943. Mary Jean and Albert were blessed with eight children: Frank, Ann, Albert Jr., Jerry, Willy, Matt, Mike, and Winona. They resided on Graveyard Creek at Hathaway, Montana. Mary Jean held a true passion for the ranching way of life. This was evident in her knowledge regarding horses and other livestock. In 1986 the ranch sold and a new chapter of life began for her. With her children all grown, she and Albert chose to live in Miles City. Despite being well into her sixties, she continued to hold a passion for education and learning. During this time she pursued and obtained an Associate’s Degree from Miles Community College proving that regardless of age anything can be achieved with hard work and determination. In recent years she lived at Eagle’s Manor and dearly enjoyed her time there along with the many friends she made. Mary Jean had an unwavering love and pride for all of her children and grandchildren and was always willing to share family history and pictures with all.
She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Amy Turner, husband Albert Woods, son Albert Woods Jr., and granddaughter Catherine Woods. She is survived by her remaining children, 14 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Thad and Dave Turner and their children.
In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made to the Range Riders Museum.
Family will receive friends Tuesday, June 28, 2016 from 4-6 p.m. with a Vigil service at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hathaway Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home is assisting the family in these arrangements.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 28, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 28, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday June 29, 2016
Hathaway Cemetery
Hathaway, Montana 59333
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 28, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 28, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday June 29, 2016
Hathaway Cemetery
Hathaway, Montana 59333
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Cathy Byron says
Willie and family –
It is never easy to say goodbye to a Mother. My heart is with all of you and prayers along with it. May you have a perfect morning for the service. One day you will be reunited, and what a day of rejoicing that will be.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
My thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of your Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother.
Deb & Bob Hagemeister says
Mike, Willie, and family members,
So sorry to her of your loss — keep your treasured memories close during this time — our thoughts and prayers are with all of you — Deb & Bob
Garth Sleight says
I have fond memories of having Mary Jean in a couple of my classes at Miles Community College in the late ’80s. She was a joy to be around–just a delightful person. I see she was just a few months younger than my own mother, which hits close to home for me. My condolences to the Woods families as you mourn your loss. May you celebrate the long and fruitful life Mary Jean lived. God bless!
Sonja Crocker says
HOLD ALL THE SWEET MEMORIES IN YOUR HEART TO REMEMBER.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. She brightened the Manor every time we went there, she always had a smile and a kind word.
Lori Ullery says
Your mom was one of a kind. Some of our fondest memories as kids were out there at the ranch with all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.
Verna Struthers Baker says
My first memory of Jean was over 60 years ago. I was a teenager and visiting my uncles (Ray and Vern Struthers) in Hathaway. So we drove out to the ranch on Graveyard Creek. No warning, we just arrived. Jean said, “Of course, you’re staying for dinner”. So she went out to the yard, grabbed a good sized chicken, chopped off its head,pulled off the feathers, singed it, cut it up and put it in the cast iron skillet on the cook stove. (I think it was about 104 degrees that day) Then she put the rest of the meal together using her garden and food she had canned. Plain food, nothing fancy but one of the best chicken dinners I ever had. I was so impressed! I figured she could do anything and I guess she could.
FYI for the family: Jean and I were cousins: her mother Amy was my father’s, Gordon Struthers, first cousin. My grandmother Emma Bartlet, two uncles (Vern and Ray) and two aunts(Florence and Grace) and their infant children are buried in Hathaway cemetery. I was thinking of you all yesterday and wishing I did not live so far away in California.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family!