Mary Helen Steinert

Mary Helen Steinert passed away on June 25, 2024, at Riverside Healthcare in Missoula at the age of 100 and an extra six months.

Mary Helen was born in Miles City, Montana on December 22, 1923, to Straud and Sallie Bottles, the youngest of four children. Her sisters Georgia and Loretta, and a brother, Floyd, all preceded her in death. After her parents' divorce, she continued to live with her mother in Miles City.

On February 8, 1941, she married Leonard Leo Steinert and they had three children. First was Gary Lee, (Sherry), then Jane Ramey (Dennis), and Kayrene Matye (Bob). She had 6 grandchildren, Chaun, Cheri, Jeff, Lauri, Deb, and Rick. There were also 8 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Mary Helen and Leonard moved to many places during their marriage trying their hand at different occupations, but eventually landed in Missoula. She and Leonard loved to camp, fish, do crafts, and belonged to the antique auto club in Missoula. After Leonard's death in 1972, Mary Helen lived in Missoula owning her own business, Foxie Owl Ceramics until her retirement. During this time she was an international ceramics teacher as well as a teacher in her own shop. She was able to live in her home until age 99 but eventually had to move into a nursing facility. This was quite remarkable since she was confined to a wheelchair and almost totally blind. She managed to stay busy doing many types of crafts for friends, family, and herself.

At Mary Helen's request there will be no funeral. A graveside service will take place at Missoula City Cemetery on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.