Mary Lynne Crowell was born June 17, 1947, to John and Cecil Wills in Great Falls, Montana. Mary went home to her Heavenly Father’s arms unexpectedly on August 13, 2022. There will be a memorial celebration of life on August 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ulm Church in Ulm, MT.
Mary graduated in 1965 from Great Falls high school. She spent her career as a Deputy Clerk of the District Court for 32 years, for the last several she was Chief Deputy.
Mary married her high school sweetheart, Chuck on June 11, 1966. They had two children, one son, Joseph, in 1968 and one daughter, Shawn in 1971. Mary was an amazing mother who loved deeply and unconditionally. She made a point to encourage her children and attended almost every event they were involved in. She was proud of their accomplishments and would brag about them constantly.
She became a grandma to Caden in 2003 and Colby in 2005. Her grandsons were her pride and joy. She would do anything possible to make her grandsons happy. She attended their kindergarten graduations and missed very few moments after that. Most recently, she reveled in Caden and Colby, both making it to the State Wrestling Competition. She was so proud of both boys and beamed with happiness when Colby placed 6th and Caden 1st at divisionals. Caden followed that with a 2nd place victory at the state competition.
Camping and fishing with her husband and son’s family, especially her precious grandsons, was a highlight for Mary. She was a very talented artist and laughed loudly with joy when she did crafts with her daughter and nieces. She was a member of BPW (Business Professional Women) and was a lifetime member of the NFAA. She enjoyed the places archery took her when her husband was President of the NFAA and Vice President of the IFAA. She also enjoyed “sister trips” she would take with Carol and Shirley. She loved seeing new things and going with Chuck for drives to see wildlife. She was always ready for a new adventure. One thing that always brought a smile to Mary’s face was a cat. She loved cuddling with them and listing to their sweet purrs.
Mary was very active in her church. She taught AWANA for multiple years as well as sang in the choir. She loved her savior, Jesus Christ. She studied God’s word daily and prayed for her family and friends and all of those in need. Mary believed deeply in the work St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital did for childhood cancer and was a proud supporter.
Mary is survived by her husband of 56 years, Charles Robert Crowell; her children, Joe (Wendy) Crowell and Shawn (Ken) Swan; grandsons, Caden and Colby Crowell; two sisters, Carol Suek and Shirley Davis. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Cecil Wills; brothers, Jack and Glenn Wills.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital or the Ulm Bible Church.
