Mary Ann McCullough

Mary Ann McCullough passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus, Montana, where she had resided for the last seven months. Thank you to the team at Powder River Manor for the support and care you provided.

Mary Ann McCullough was born June 29, 1935 in Van Buren, Arkansas to Harlan Irion and Helen Yerby. Though Mary Ann was not born in Montana, she was Montana through and through. They moved to the Mizpah in the winter of 1938. Many mornings the water pail was iced over. Her Dad would get up and build a fire first thing in the morning and break that ice which was hauled in from the Mizpah river.

Mary Ann started school in 1941 at the Irion school. She and her brother Bobby rode double horse back to school. A lot of shenanigans were had during those rides.

Mary Ann moved to Broadus in 1942. Right after moving to the town of Broadus, Montana, Mary Ann received a little sister, Glenda Sue. The family was complete.

Mary Ann went to high school at Broadus High School graduating as valedictorian in 1953. Mary Ann continued her education to become a teacher with a masters in education, specializing in reading.

Harold McCullough and Mary Ann Irion were married in 1955. Harold and Mary Ann built a home in Ashland Montana in 1965. Mary Ann had two children, Tami McCullough and Tara McCullough-Wells (Rick). Mary Ann also has a "son", Tommy Yellowtail, who was a part of the family. Tami had two children, Lonnie and Kim. Lonnie and his son James still reside in Ashland, Montana, and Kimberly lives in Colorado with her cousin.

Mary Ann spent several years as a rural school teacher at Billup school and Coalwood school in Montana . She then became a special ed teacher in Colstrip, Montana. Retiring in 1994, Mary Ann continued working as the secretary of the school and substituting when needed. She was on the Ashland water board for 35 +years as well as the clinic and education boards. Mary Ann took great pride as a teacher. And, she was a great one at that!

Mary Ann was a pillar of the community in Ashland Montana for many years. She was always willing to give a helping hand and often had witty remarks to share. To this day, many people stop by her house to see how she was doing. She was well loved.

There are many who have supported Mary Ann. The Seidl girls, Nancy and Ann, have been wonderful and there when needed. Thank you to Kim Studiner for acting as Mary Ann's personal PA. So many people were instrumental in caring for Mary Ann in her later years. You are so appreciated.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband Harold, brother Bobby, her two children, Tami and Tara and niece Lara. Surviving family include her sister Glenda Sue Somers, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Kimberly, Lonnie, James, Grayson, Shay, and of course, Lonnie Junior. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Kyra, Doug, Kristi and Harla, and several cousins.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Saint Labre, Ashland, Montana. No services are planned at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a time to be determined.