Mary Owens, age 95, of Miles City passed away Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Cottonwood Care Home. She spent 2 ½ years there, and was a beloved resident, kind and gentle to all.
Mary was born on December 6, 1929, in Miles City, the daughter of Nicholas and Florence Gaglia. The Gaglias were a large Italian family, often attending gatherings with other Italian families in the neighborhood. Mary and her sister, Mollie, were identical twins and the youngest in their family. They had four siblings – one brother and three sisters. Mary attended Sacred Heart school in Miles City. She participated in sports during her school years, including basketball. She had an active social life and remained close with many school friends over the years. As a young adult, Mary worked at Holy Rosary Hospital.
Mary and John were married on October 25, 1948, at Sacred Heart Church in Miles City. They moved to Glendive with John’s work until 1958, when they returned to Miles City. Mary was an invaluable asset to John with his business, Parts Unlimited, assisting with bookkeeping and other aspects of the operation. Mary and John had five daughters – Kathy, Debbie, Joleen, Carol, and Lori. She loved her role as a full-time mother and grandmother and was consistently active in their lives.
Throughout much of their married life, Mary and John enjoyed traveling around the United States, often with family. A highlight was the many get-togethers and holiday celebrations with family and extended relatives.
Mary was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Church, volunteering for various activities over the years. For example, she participated in the telephone prayer chain and frequently assisted with preparing weekly bulletins. She enjoyed socializing with friends and acquaintances, playing cards and Bunco. Mary learned to cook and bake from her mother, who came to the United States from Italy. The first ingredient of all her recipes was love. She passed down many traditional family recipes to her children and grandchildren. Mary was also an avid reader who frequented the local public library, trading in last week’s books for the next week. Many friends and family were lucky to receive her hand embroidered dish towels or pillowcases. Mary was the life of the party and had a sense of humor that was second to none.
When John became sick with successive illnesses, Mary became his primary caregiver until his death in 1994. She forged an exemplary, vibrant life for the next 30 years, staying active with various volunteer work and serving as the matriarch to the extended Owens family.
Mary is survived by five daughters Kathy (Don) Bockness, Debbie (Phil) Rambur, Joleen (Bob) Edwards, Carol Bartholomew, and Lori (Dan) Burley. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, Jodi (Brady) Stone, Stacey (Steve) Curry, Jamie Bockness (Patrick Allen), John Rambur, Angela (Jono) Verticchio, Bethany Edwards, Brooke Bartholomew, Brittany (Clint) Cecil, Megan Bartholomew, and Danni Jo Burley. Eleven great grandchildren, Abby Stone, Maggie Stone (Apaullo Kiyukan), Macey (Taylor) Spiegelberg, Connor Curry (Franny Mullen), Xander Curry (Jordan Wieck), Bennett Curry, Jace Verticchio, Arlee Verticchio, Kenzie Bartholomew, Torrin Cecil, and Lachlan Cecil. Two great-great grandchildren Cora Spiegelberg and Tatum Spiegelberg.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband John, siblings and their spouses Julie (Gus) Pavelis, Anne (Jim) St. Peter, Stella (Vic) Bradley, Tony (Rita) Gaglia, and Mollie (George) Wald, 4 brother-in-laws, and 2 sister-in-laws.
Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Cottonwood Care Home in Miles City.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City, with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Vigil/Rosary service will be held at following the visitation at 6:00 p.m. at the church.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow the funeral mass in the family lot of Custer County Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday October 3, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday October 3, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 4, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Immediately Following the Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday October 4, 2025
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday October 3, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday October 3, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 4, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Immediately Following the Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday October 4, 2025
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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BERNADETTE MILLER says
I have so many fun memories of Mary when I worked at Sacred Heart Church. She was my #1 volunteer for mailings, bulletin folding or whatever project that needed help. Mary was always upbeat, cheerful , always with a smile on her face. You have lots of good memories to keep you strong! Losing Mom is always hard, regardless of age. She was lucky to live such a good life.
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy
Hazel Stabler says
Kathy, Debbie and Carol. I’m so sorry for your loss. I have so many memories of her, Jean and I. All married to Hauck Transport Trucking Co. employees She was so much fun.
I enjoyed seeing her at Cottonwood the last couple of years.
She will be missed. God bless you girls.
Diane Welbes says
The loss of a family member is like that of a limb; time may heal the anguish of the wound, but the loss cannot be repaired. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Kim Smarsh says
I’m am so sorry to read this. Mary was a delight to be around and a wonderful neighbor. My prayers to all of her family on the loss of a lovely matriarch.
Mike and Linda Wyse says
Kathy Debbie, Carol, Jolene, Lori and families, We are so sorry for your loss, Aunt Mary(not my Aunt but we called that) will be missed she was always so pleasant and a Joy to be around. Love going to her house. She is now reunited with Big John. Remember all the great memories you have made. Mike and Linda Seleg Wyse
Marvin and Lynne Brush says
Kathy, Debbie, Carol, Jolene and Lori, our deepest condolences, so sorry for your loss.
Mary Ann stoltz says
Sorry for the loss of your mother! God help you all through this hard time. She was lovely lady!
God bless Mary Ann stoltz
Kevin Donnelly says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Brings back a lot of old memories. Gialia and Owen’s are good people. Glad to have had the honor of knowing them. May God be with your families. Heaven’s gain.
Tracee Raymond-Raymond-Waples says
To the Owen’s family,
I was so sorry to see the loss of your mother and grandmother. I remember your parents and they both were wonderful people. Your mom was a sweet lady and will be missed by every who knew her. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sending my condolences to all of you. Hugs to everyone.
Carole Carey says
Steve and Stacey I am sorry for your loss. What treasure for so many years. God go with you all.