Mary Rose Kolka was born on Sept. 20, 1936 to Dan and Martha Steadman Gaskill. She grew up on the East Fork of Otter Creek with siblings Ray, Marjorie and Kathleen. Mary Rose attended school at St. Labre Mission (except for one year attending in Broadus) and graduated in 1954.
As a youngster and teenager, Mary Rose spent great times with adored cousins Sheila and Sis and Jackie Daniels, along with many other relatives in the Steadman and Gaskill families. Chicky was her nickname to all her family. When she first knew of her future husband Donald, she watched him drive fast past their house and worried he would run over the family dog. Donald eventually won her heart and they were married on Oct. 9, 1956, in Helena, Montana.
Mary Rose and Donald had two children, Kenny and Twila. She is also remembered fondly by nieces and nephews in the Kolka, Howard, Richardson, Gaskill, Livingston, Rosin families, as many of those spent time with Donald and Mary Rose.
As loving as she was determined and never one to back down from a challenge, Mary Rose was a doting and devoted grandmother to nine grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Until the final years of her life, she spent her days working on the Kolka ranch, herding cattle and grandkids, caring for barn cats and bum calves, keeping a beautiful garden, yard and house, and cooking for anyone who looked hungry. Mom supported her family’s adventures and endeavors to the fullest extent, attending dozens of rodeos, roping, sports and 4-H events.
Many more people called Mary Rose “Grandma Rosie” than just her nine grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she and Donald are upstanding members of the Stacey and Broadus communities and are adored by many. Mary Rose’s quiet faith in God carried her through the challenges of her life. One of her favorite things to do in later years was going for a drive with Donald to enjoy the cattle, horses, wildlife and scenery of their ranch.
Mary Rose is proceeded in death by her parents and her siblings.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Donald; her sister-in-law Wanda Gaskill, her children Kenny and wife Peggy of the family ranch, Twila and husband Raymond Loveridge of Colstrip; grandchildren Jim and wife CeeCee, Emmy and husband Will Wells, Melissa and Adia; and great-grandchildren Thane, Mason, Hannah, Peryn and Alton.
In lieu of flowers, Mary Rose’s family wishes donations be made to the Broadus Cancer Fund, c/o Tyler Gardner, 20 Gardner Rd. Ashland, MT 59003.
Visitation will be on Monday, March 18 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, also at Stevenson & Sons, and interment will follow at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday March 18, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 19, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday March 18, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 19, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
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Diana Elwood says
Mary Rose was a special lady, I was blessed to be able to spend some memorable times with her. We will miss you. Blessings and prayers for all her family.
Robbin Stoddard says
Donald, Ken and Peggy, Twila and Ray, and all of the Kolka family, you’re all in my prayers and thoughts as you make your way through this sad time. Mary Rose was a gracious, lovely woman who leaves behind a wonderful, loving legacy. Nothing I could write here will ease your grief, but please know her passing is mourned by many.
Vanna Byrd says
Please accept my most sincere condolences. I didn’t know her, but am well acquainted with the legacy she has left behind in her family. May she rest in peace and may you only remember the great times you had.
Kuhbacher Charlee & Justin Family says
We send our deepest sympathy to the Kolka families…I cut and curled her hair last week. Don wasn’t sure she felt up to it, but she said yes, Don had her in the wheelchair in a flash. Away we went! We are related she said, your Mom is my cousin. We had a very enjoyable visit..She will be remembered fondly. She was so proud of those grandkids and greats…
Tedi Jo Williams says
My heart is with all of your family. Reba McEntire has a song called, “7 Minutes in Heaven”. It is about her visiting her mom. I think you guys might like this song. It shows that she is in a great place!!
Andrea and Vern Rice says
Sending out deepest condolences to the Kolka family.
Dee & Shelly Batey says
Sending condolences to the Kolka family. She was such a sweet lady. May she Rest in Peace.
Jerry and Joyce Strobel says
Jerry and I just recently had a very sweet connect with Donald and Mary Rose at the nursing home in Broadus. It has made us remember our many times over the last years of being with them at Stacey Hall functions and what warmth we had in those connections of caring about one another. We sooo thank the LORD for those precious memories. And then all the years that Mary Rose opened their home for our Ladies Bible study to have a place to meet—Very rich times of caring about one another as country women knowing that we were here in this part of the country as servants for JESUS CHRIST.
Blessings to each of you as you treasure your memories,
Jerry and Joyce Strobel
Drew & Marni Gaskill says
Our deepest sympathies to the Kolka family.
Rayetta Fjell says
Donald, Kenny & Peggy, Twila & Ray & families. My Condolences to your family.
I am so so sorry to hear about Mary Rose. I was so happy to see her & visit with her last June at Marion Hanson’s birthday event. Mary Rosee was so kind and I will always remember her smile. She was a Wonderful Lady and I will always remember her>. Prayers for Comfort to All. Rayetta [Schonenbach] Fjell
Pam Moths Nisley and Dave says
Our love and prayers for comfort for each one that loved this beautiful woman!
I always admired her! Such a lovely family!
So glad you won her over Don!!
Hugs to all of you 🙂
Janet B Klein says
My heart is heavy for the loss of Mary Rose. She was such a wonderful person and treated me so nice when I was teaching in Broadus. While I was living at the Portwine’s home, she and Twila lived in the little house behind the Portwine’s. We worked together on many occasions with FHA with Chloe Wiltse. May she leave you with wonderful memories and continue love.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Donald and Family, I am so sorry to read about Mary Rose. She was always a friendly face. She was beautiful inside and out. There will be a void but fill it with memories and that will help.
Ted and Peggy Fletcher and family says
Our condolences to the Kolka family. Truly legends in the Stacy community and SE MT!
Dan and Lisa Lynch says
To Mary Rose’s Family, You are in our thoughts.
Vickie Gunderson says
Twila and family, sympathies to you on the loss of your Mom. Prayers and hugs to you..losing a parent is so difficult💔
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to all the Kolka family, Mary Rose always seemed so content with her life, what a long life so well lived.
The Rooney’s, Joyce, Jim, Kathi, and Kelli, and families says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mary Rose was a beautiful lady and a great neighbor.
Janet Rice says
My condolences Don, Kenny and all the rest of family. I have know Mary Rose for years. A beautiful lady. Rest in peace dear lady.
Chad and Cynde Jo Gatlin says
Sending our condolences to the Kolka family
Wayne and Cathy Gamrath says
We will not be able to attend the services for Mary Rose, but remember her fondly and send our condolences to the family. She was one of the world”s few truly good people.
Shiela Cathey says
Donald, Twila, Kenny and families, oh how my heart is hurting with the loss of our sweet “Chick”! I’ll never forget her cute little way of kind of nodding her head to her shoulder, and smiling! Yes, we did have some wonderful times as youngsters, cousins, growing up! She was, and always will be, an inspiration and roll model for me! Take comfort in knowing she is home with the Lord, and all is well with her soul 🙏
Laura Lee Ullrich says
I am so saddened to hear of Mary Rose’s passing. I just visited with her at the manor a week ago. She thanked me for the sermon. She was a woman whom I admired deeply. A woman of grace and faith with a very kind heart. My prayers are raised for Don and all of her beloved family.
Julie Emmons Stoddard says
Steve and I send our condolences to all of the Kolka family.
Karson and Marie Kluver says
Donald, Twila, Kenny and Families
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Years ago my brother and i bought some bulls from Cecil and Dean, we needed to go to Donald and Mary Rose place for some reason. Anyhow I remember what a Gracious host she was.
Kelsey Sprandel says
My siblings and I are blessed to be a part of the Kolka family and spent many summer days and weekends experiencing the ranch life with Donald and Mary Rose. Mary Rose was an amazing woman loving and hard working. She always greeted with a smile and hug. She has a beautiful soul and will forever be honored and cherished in my heart. Forever missed and with deep love and sympathy for all of her family and friends.
Wayne and Serena Wetherelt Jr says
Donald, Ken & Peggy, Twila & Ray and families
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Mary Rose was a kind and gracious women. She always made you feel special when she greeted you. May you cherish your wonderful memories and let them give you comfort and peace in your days ahead. Blessings to all.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
To Donald, Kenny, and Twila: I’m so sad to hear of Mary Rose’s passing. I remember the closeness that everyone felt in the Stacey community: 4-H, home demonstration club, school activities, etc… We were like one big family. I know that everyone in the community will miss Mary Rose. I pray that the Lord will wrap His arm around you and give you peace.
Kathie Nelson says
Heaven gained a very special Angel. Mary Rose was such a beautiful lady with a heart of gold. We have many memories we will forever cherish of times shared with her. We are so sorry to hear of her passing. Our deepest and most sincere sympathies to you all. May she rest in eternal peace.
With much love and prayers to you all,
Greg and Kathie Nelson
And family 🙏🏻❤️
Brian and Maggie Dice says
Donald and family,
We enjoyed our friendship with Mary Rose through the years. She was such a kind and gracious person and a treasure to our community. She went to her heavenly home. May she rest in peace.
Gwen Gamrath Strub says
Donald and family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of such a special person. I’ll always remember Mary Rose as a beautiful, kind person. I was so glad to see Donald at my work the other day with Ray & Twila and share a hug with him. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Tom and Shannon (Shy) Lund says
Donald, Ken and Peggy, Twila and Ray and family,
Saddened to hear of the passing of Mary Rose. So many memories. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Pete and June Minow says
Donald, Kenny and Twila. We are so sorry for your loss. Mary Rose was a beautiful and nice person. We have memories of years ago with 4-H and other community events. May she rest in peace in her heavenly home.
Shirley A Skinner says
Condolences and prayers for the family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Cathy McDowell says
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with all of you! Cathy , JJ and family
Gerald & Janet Himelspach says
Don and family. We were saddened to hear of Mary Rose’ passing. She was a nice, intelligent person, and I know many will miss her greatly. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Darcy Anderson Wood says
Thoughts and Prayers to all of the family. Hugs to Uncle Donald! Donald and Mary Rose have always been the community grandparents. She was at every school program at the hall, there to support and encourage each of us kids as we grew up. She was always there and supportive for everything from 4-H, FFA, sports events, and school programs. She was dear so dear to many of us and will always be remembered so fondly!
ArLynn and Walter Archer says
Dear Don and all of Mary Rose’s family,
So sorry to learn of Mary Rose’s passing. Always admired her and loved to visit with her.
Gail M Ivester says
My condolences to the Kolka family’s. She was a sweet lady. Always at whatever the kids were in wether it be sports, rodeos, 4H she was there. Prayers to the family.
Doug Benge says
Donald and all family:
So sorry to learn of Mary Rose’s passing. Your family was always so well regarded by our family. Condolences from Lucy and me.