Merry Jo DeAnda passed away peacefully on 1 September 2023 at Saint Vincent Healthcare, Billings Montana, surrounded by her husband, Armando, her sister (Jeanie) and Brother-in-law (Jim).
On June 10, 1957, she was delivered by her aunt Mary Williams on their way to the hospital between Powderville and Miles City.
She attended local schools in Miles City and graduated from Custer County High School. After graduation she enlisted in the US Army on February 27, 1976. She retired on February 28, 2002, after more than 25 years of active service. She was stationed overseas in the European Command mainly in Germany and Italy, and Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. She graduated from the US Army Drill Sergeant School and became the Senior Drill Sergeant Instructor in Redstone Arsenal. Among various medals and ribbons earned, she earned the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Drill Sergeant Badge.
After her military career, she and her husband returned to Miles City and became owners of the Montana Retail Liquor Store (Miles City Liquors and Fine Wines) which they bought from her mother Georgia in 2008. She was an active member of the community and contributed to organizations like the VFW, Wound Warriors on the Water, Wake Up and Lace Up, and various other organizations in Montana.
She is survived by her husband Armando of 38-years which she met in Heidelberg, Germany when they were both in the military. They later married on October 11, 1985 in Coco Beach, Florida. She leaves behind her mother Georgia Mentikov, siblings: Sandra (Wayne) Shelton, Jeanie (James Guyer) Mentikov, Susanne Galbraith, Michael Mentikov, Mark (Juliet Lucas) Mentikov, Paul Mentikov. She leaves behind her step-daughter Nicole (Terry) DeAnda Van Cleve and their children Vivienne and Hudson.
She is preceded in death by her father Sergey “Sid” Mentikov, aunts: Sonja (Richard) Heller and Mary (John) Williams.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a charitable donation to Wake Up & Lace Up at wakeuplaceup.com
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Thursday September 14, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Thursday September 14, 2023
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301-4736
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Thursday September 14, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Thursday September 14, 2023
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301-4736
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Mike and Tammy Pecha says
To all of Merrys family we are so sorry for your loss.She was a great neighbor and class mate.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris says
Oh so sorry. Our sympathy to the entire family.
Jennifer says
I will forever be grateful to have known Merry. Merry and Armando have always been good to my daughter and I since I’ve known them and your entire family and friends and in my prayers through this incredibly hard time.
Starla williams says
Oh I had no idea I’m so sorry to hear this she was a beautiful person and had a beautiful soul may she rest in peace my thoughts and prayers go out to all her family
Vicki King Carrafa says
I was so shocked to see the passing of Mary. We always shared our love for the beach and our grandbabies. You have my heart felt sympathy. My thoughts and prayers will be with Mary’s husband, her mother her siblings and her family. It is heartbreaking to lose your family member. Memories are precious to healing.
Sandi Kohones, Jon Wilkerson and Mike Moody says
We are so terribly sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful person! Merry will be missed by all who knew her. Prayers to all of her family!
Richard Bonine says
Just learned of Merry’s passing. This is so sad. Merry was an amazing and kind person. My condolences to the entire family.
Sarah Dyba says
Merry, Thank you for the many laughs throughout years I have known you. You were the kindest to me when my dad passed away. I will always remember that. Fly high ♥️
Josh Rath says
Say it isn’t so. Merry is and was my best friend in MC for anything gossip or fun. I remember working at KYUS, coming down the back steps and to the liquor store to chat… gossip… and more.
After getting fired from 92.3 (god knows why), the first stop was to Merry. She comforted me, hugged me, and told me how amazing I was… and that nobody could hold me down.
I went on to be successful, however, when I came to town… I made a point to come and see Merry every time I could. Stopping into the store, Joyce knew where I was headed, and let me walk right to the back to disturb the hard-working gal.
I am in sincere shock of this news. And Miles City will NEVER be the same. I am heartbroken, and Merry, I will miss you forever. I love you.
Karena says
May you rest in peace dear Merry. You were a very kind and generous lady.
Michael & Ruth King says
Michael and Ruth says
Merry was a wonderful lady and friend to us, we have not been able to see her in awhile but we have fond memories of her. She and Michael served in the Military together.
We were stationed in Italy together, we Volksmarched together. We were in Germany also together. We really had some good times together.
She will truly be missed by all those who loved her.
May she rest in peace.
John & Alisa Runyan says
We knew Merry what feels like a lifetime ago. Unfortunately we lost touch with each other but she is and will remain in our hearts. God bless. Prayers for her family for comfort and mercy.
Linda Walker says
Such a nice lady. Rest in peace.
Terry Virag says
Such a terrible loss. Merry was so sweet and kind. Always enjoyed seeing her and Armando at the liquor store. R I P. Merry
Coopers says
Mary’s family I am so so sorry for your loss my prayers go out to you all. She was an amazing woman inside and out. Are hearts are broken that she is gone. But she will never be forgotten may she rest in peace
Eddie Kidd says
While we somehow lost track of each other over the years, I will never forget the time we spent working and playing together in Germany and also on my visits to Merry and Armando in Italy.. Merry was the best, best NCO, best co-worker, best hostess and most of all best friend.
Rest in peace.
Darbie Karch and family says
Keeping all of Merry’s family and friends in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. She will missed by so many. A true asset to Miles City definitely!!
Karan and Alan Charles says
So sad to hear of Merry’s passing. She was an amazing woman, a patriot who achieved the highest rank possible for a non- commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, and she loved taking biscuits out to Teal, my old golden retriever, when we stopped to pick up a bottle or two. We send our condolences to Armando and all of the family.
Donna Leitholt -Taylor says
My condolences to all of Merry’s family and friends. She was always a ray of sunshine.
Audrey and Greg says
So sorry for lose of Merry. She was a sweet person. RIP Merry 🙏
Danette & David Olguin says
I am so saddened to hear of Merry’s passing. What a beautiful and kind lady she was and will be missed by everyone that crossed paths with her! Thoughts and prayers to you Armando and all the family 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Jessie Leidholt says
To all of Merry’s extended family, Jim and I am so shocked and sad. I wish we had a magic wand and could make all of this go away. Hugs to each and every one of you.
Karen Morris says
Merry will be more than missed. Condolences to her family and friends.
Michael Beyl says
The passing of Merry was a shock to me. My condolences go out to the family.
Cherie Dyba says
To all, Merry was a very kind hearted woman. She will be so missed in the Miles City community and by her family. Sending prayers.
Ruben and June Opp says
To all of Merry’s family, we were so shocked to hear of the passing of Merry, we will never forget of years past when the family would come to town to see grandpa and grandma Mentikov and got to play with our boys,What a wonderful family.Our prayers and thoughts are with you all,may God bless and comfort you all during this difficult time and the days ahead.
Ruben & June Opp
Ron and Steve
Tom and Kathy Strub says
Oh Merry, you were one of the happiest, kindest, most beautiful people I’ve known. You were good to everyone. My heart aches for your family and they will definitely be held up in prayer. Dance up a storm in heaven my friend.
Marc and Denise Hartse says
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Carol Bean says
This news just breaks our heart. What a faithful and generous person to our community. She will be so missed.
Thoughts and prayers to Armando & her close knit of friends!
JR & Carol
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sending prayers to all of Merry s family during this very sad and difficult time.
Kathy Damm Culy says
To Mary’s husband n family’
My heart is broken for you all❤️
Her return to Miles was such a blessing
For our City
Truely a heart of gold
Lynn Miller says
A wonderful and generous lady. Always loved talking to her. MC has lost a big heart and incredible lady!!
Tracee Raymond says
I’m sad to hear about Merry’s passing. My condolences to her family. Merry was a very good person to everyone she met. Hugs and prayers to all of you. Rip Merry!
Doug Klein says
My prayers and condolences to Merry’s family. Merry was one of the sweetest ladies I’ve ever met.
Bill and Sandy Jensen says
Our sincere condolences to Merry’s family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Gerald says
Tragic loss for our community, what a up lifting kind and generouse person. our prayers and thoughts are with the family now.
Kent and Rebecca Undlin says
Armando- We are so shocked and sorry to hear about Merry. We are heartbroken for you. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John L. Moore says
So sorry to hear this. She will be missed.
Mike Archdale says
Sorry to hear this sad news. Oh, how I enjoyed shopping at the Miles City Liquors and Fine Wines. No favorite label. I did find a fine selection from single malt Scottish to Polish vodka and a great number in between. Every visit was an adventure for me. Great memories.
Billy Hoverson says
Merry was such a wonderful individual. On behalf of myself and the other board members at Montana Warriors On The Water, our hearts go out to Armando and the rest of her family for your loss. Merry was always first in line to give back to great causes such as ours, along with the community in general. I will always cherish our conversations when I stopped in to the liquor store.
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
Armando and All Merry’s Families
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Merry. GOD has gained an Amazing, Kind Hearted, Fun Loving, Generous Lady from our community! She was loved by many and touched so many lives from her generosity and giving back to others. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. She will always be a Treasure in your Hearts and not forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will get you thru difficult days and times ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
Ken and Vicki Hess says
We are so sorry to hear that Merry passed away. Sending our sympathy to Armando and family. Merry will be missed by many friends here and those she served with.
Wanda Hughes says
I grew up with Merry and almost joined the army with her. I always wondered how my life would have been if I got on that bus going to Butte. She set her mind onto the military and went so far. I’ve always been proud of her achievements. May God give you comfort and peace.
Carol Ann LaRose Schuetzle says
So sorry to hear of Merry’s passing.
She is such a wonderful person and will be missed dearly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Merry’s family and friends.
Carol and Warren Schuetzle
Joan Damm Smith says
I am so sorry to hear of Merry‘s passing, she was part of a great class 1975 and she sure served her country with great honor and dedication. I enjoyed talking to her when I would come to town at the store…
Please know that all of her family are in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏼😢
Charlie Gunther says
I was saddened to hear about Mary’s passing. So sorry for your loss, Armando & the Mentikov family. I recall my conversation with her about joining up after I was discharged from the Army. She made it her career. Such an amazing, determined, intelligent woman. She will be missed .
Cathy Davidson McDowell says
I was so very sorry to hear of Merry’s passing. Her family was part of our community when we were kids! My sympathy to all her family!
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Merry was a joy and she will be missed..our sincere condolences.
Josh swanson says
So sorry to hear about her passing, she was an awesome lady and will be greatly missed. I will always cherish our talks at the liquor store when she would save boxes for us down at the shop. She always loved to chat when I was there to pick them up! RIP Mary.
Pete and June Minow says
It was a shock to hear of Merry’s passing. She was so very nice and will be greatly missed. Extending our sympathy to all of the family. Praying that God will comfort you in your loss.
Sandy Rabe says
Praying that God gives you comfort through wonderful memories of Merry.
God bless.
Steve & Renée Rothlein says
We met Merry in 2005 when we moved to Wiesbaden, Germany, for work. Armando was my boss, my protector, and my friend. If you’re lucky, sometime in your life, you will meet someone who will leave an indelible footprint on your heart. That was Merry. My heart is broken for Armando and for everyone who formed a lasting friendship with Merry. She had a heartwarming way of touching so many people’s lives. Shortly after we arrived in Germany, Merry and Armando hosted a party at their lovely home on the Rhine River in Bingen. That was just the first of many gatherings we attended at their home. And that was the beginning of when I learned how gracious and talented Merry was. Merry was an incredible cook and shared numerous recipes with me. While in Germany, she introduced me to her friend, Lorrie Eidem. We three would go out for a GNOME night (Girls Night Out Men Excluded). We’d laugh like crazy, eat delicious food, and gossip and share stories. And Merry had a flair for decorating, too. She taught me to appreciate things like Polish pottery and cookware from Deruta Italy. One time Armando, Merry, Steve and I drove over to the Nachtmann glass and crystal factory in Neustadt Germany. I’m sure everybody in Miles City has seen her creativity at the liquor store in the beautiful gift baskets she created. Some of them had crystal goblets from Neustadt, some of them had whimsical stir sticks tucked into corners, some had lovely glassware. Merry was so proud of Montana. One time when we visited them, she made sure that we saw so many landmarks and highlights of the area and learned a lot about Montana’s history. There she goes, tugging at my heartstrings again. You will be remembered and you will be missed, my friend.
bellkey's says
thank you merry for the sunshine smiles you always greeted us with,the times we stopped to say hoowdy at the shoppe, stellar wit, and humor warmed us every visit, you also served this country proudly, with pride and dignity, alot of your unselfish life, thank you,,merry, u warmed our hearts,and made us smile, a lovely lady, the head of the class, the best of the best, now your memory will be with us, times we cruise by the miles city ,you will be missed, bellkey boys, north dakota