Mary E Deeble Ellis

Mary passed on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, surrounded in love and in the arms of her family. Many years ago she prepared a self-written obituary at the encouragement of her daughter because Mary was the only one who knew which events made her happy, thankful, and at times, sad.

She was born on Mother’s Day, May 9, 1926, to Marquis and Mary (Mae) Deeble in Butte. She was an only child. When Mary was nine her father suffered a life ending heart-attack. Her mother was a determined survivor and found a way to keep the family home. Fate stepped in at the same time when a family member asked to join their families and asked to move in with his son and daughter of similar ages. Mary said that whenever God closes one door he opens another. She had lost her father but now had a brother, sister, and new father figure in her life. She said it was different from others, but pleasant. Her newly gained sister, Beryl Stover, was the best sister and remained very special to her throughout their lives.

Mary was a true “Butte Girl” and finished school there. In 1949, she met her husband, William R. (Bob) Ellis. They married shortly after, set-up house in Great Falls, and then were blessed with their only child, a lovely baby girl, Diana Ellis McKinney. Mary said throughout her years her greatest joy and happiness has come from her family. She was proud of each of them. She admired her husband’s abilities to create many things, including their cabin at Flathead Lake and the supervision in the building of their two homes. Her daughter was her joy and provided her much care and love. Her daughter also gave Mary two granddaughters, Carly and Kate. Mary said her granddaughters gave her back a childhood. She was proud of the lovely young women they had become.

Mary extended thanks to her friends and said each one is a special treasure she dearly loved. They made her life a happy trip.


Lastly she remembered all her four legged friends; you never forget the ones you have lost and was glad to have them in her life.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Marquis and Mae Deeble; her sister Beryl Stover (Jim); brother Bill Argall (Lela) and her husband (Bob). She is survived by her daughter Diana (Evan); three granddaughters, Paige McKinney, Carly Cortright and Kate Cortright and two nieces, Candie and Tammie Stover.

She will be interned with her mother at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Missoula Humane Society or Providence Montana Health Foundation recognizing the staff of 5N floor and IHI for their bottomless support, care and kindness.