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. 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.
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