Mary Kuckler

Visitation: Friday, Sept. 30, from 12:00 pm to 6:00pm at Stevenson and Sons' Funeral Home in Miles City

Vigil Service: Friday, Sept. 30,at 6:00pm at Stevenson and Sons' Funeral Home in Miles City

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, Oct. 1, at 11:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Rite of Committal: Private family burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Miles City

Mary Rose (Cuta) Kuckler was born before TV, VCRs, and running water. Movies were 10 cents, popcorn and candy 5 cents, stamps 3 cents, gas 11 cents. But most folks were too poor to own a car. Amos 'n' Andy and Fibber McGee and Molly were her radio entertainment.

On Nov. 5, 1924, Frank Matthew Cuta and Mary Ann (Svec) Cuta were blessed with their fourth and last child in Circle, Mont. "Mayme" graduated from Circle High School in 1942, and became the first female employee of the First National Bank there. She married James W. Kuckler on June 12, 1948, and clerked for his livestock business in Circle. From 1963 to 1978 she worked in the Clerk and Recorder's Office. She was active in her parish at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church at Circle, playing the organ and singing at many church services. She filled numerous positions over the years in what was then called the Altar Society. Later Mary moved to Miles City and worked at a local law office and as an in-home caregiver for several years. She babysat many of her grandchildren in their younger years.

She enjoyed listening to and playing music, singing, collecting stuffed animals, watching TV, taking naps, tending her plants, scratching pets, watching rabbits and squirrels, and listening to birds. Her love of pets was challenged every time the cat "murdered" a bird.Her witty sense of humor was appreciated by all. Her greatest pleasure was being with her grandchildren. She had a tremendous devotion to the rosary, and loved angels.Mary passed away peacefully at her daughter's home surrounded by her loving family as her two-year-old great-granddaughter Beth tenderly placed several stuffed animals beside her in bed. It was Sept. 28, 2005, Feast of Saint Wenceslaus, Duke of Bohemia. Mary was 100% Bohemian.

The assistance and empathy shown by Hospice during her last several days was first-rate. Her last year of life, Mary lived at Parkview Personal Care Home. The loving care and devotion of the staff there will always be remembered.

Special thanks to Dr. Christine Drivdahl-Smith, Joy Huber FNP, Dr. Base, and the Outpatient staff at Holy Rosary. The family extends special gratitude to Dorothy Zabrocki for her friendship and compassionate ministering.

Grandma says love doesn't die, people do. And in a poem she wrote, "I pray when I die... the meadowlarks will come and sing over me." Mom, Grandma: We all love you and will miss you so very much. Your meadowlarks will sing all the time now.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and by her three siblings, Emily Maze, Helen Pawlowski, and George Cuta.

She is survived by her son Rick (Tamie) of Roundup and daughter Ellen (Dean) Hart of Miles City and stepsons Jim of Forsyth and Joe of Caldwell, ID. She leaves 6 devoted grandchildren, Jim, Tony, Connie, Stephanie, Jeremy, Cindy, and two step-grandchildren, Nikki and Drew. Also surviving are 8 great-grandchildren and several very special nieces and nephews. We cannot omit Belvedere, her beloved adopted four-legged grandson.

Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 30, from 12:00 pm to 6:00pm at Stevenson and Sons' Funeral Home in Miles City. A vigil service will follow at 6:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Oct. 1, at 11:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by private family burial at Calvary Cemetery.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Stevenson and Sons' Funeral Home of Miles City. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com