Mary Armstrong

Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend, Mary Jean Armstrong, of Choteau, received her wings on July 15th, 2019. She was 81 years young.

Mary Jean was the first of five children born to Oscar and Wanda Kind in Kalispell, Montana on April 29th, 1938. The family eventually homesteaded and settled on the Sunny Slope Bench. She attended and graduated from Fairfield High School.

After High School Mary Jean married Robert Hall. During these years she raised 7 wonderful children. She was a busy lady, and often held down several jobs cooking and bartending to provide for her family. After their separation Mary Jean packed up her family and braved a move to Choteau.

In this adventure in her life she met and married the love of her life, Walter Armstrong. Her new blended family was now 10. Mary Jean and Walter's home was a haven for their children and many friends. Mary Jean's home was always known for big gatherings and celebrations. She was an excellent cook, baker and host. One of her favorite things to do was camping and fishing at Pishkin Reservoir. Every child was expected to fish, as this was only one of the many ways to keep track of the clan. She enjoyed playing cards, antique treasure hunting and painting in her spare time.

Mary Jean never knew a stranger and was always willing to help everyone she met offering friendly advice, an ear to listen and a meal to eat. She had many friends because of her outgoing, courageous personality. She loved life and everything that went with it.

Among Mary Jean's many talents and careers, over the years, included managing/operating the Legion bar, cooking and antique selling. One of her favorite was being Mrs. Claus during the Christmas Season with Walter sitting in the chair next to her as Santa Claus. During the last year she resided at the Skyline Lodge where she thoroughly enjoyed the company, activities and of course the coffee hour. She had many wonderful friends there.

Mary Jean was preceded in death by her husband Walter Armstrong, her son Mark Hall, a granddaughter Malissa Hall. Her parents Oscar and Wanda Kind and her sister Donna Stevenson.

Mary Jean's survivors include Robert (April Boeckel) Hall, Dana (Joe) Dellwo, Rita Booke, Rhonda (Dan) Naylor, Jeanie Rae Hanusa, Dawn Hall; step children, Jack (Kelly) Armstrong, Greg (Sue) Armstrong, Sharrol (Paul) Poshusta as well as 22 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

There will be a family gathering on Saturday July 20th, 2019 at 11:00 am at Pishkin Reservoir with a Friends and Family gathering to follow at 2:00 pm at the Stage Stop Inn pool/breakfast room.

Condolences may be left on-line at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com