Mary Ann Fee, age 86, of Helena

Mary Ann Fee (Miller), 86, died February 15, 2026, in Helena. Mary Ann was born at Saint John Hospital, in Helena, Montana on August 18, 1939, to Gladys Stumvoll and John Miller.

Mary Ann was raised in Elliston, Montana where she attended 1^st -8^th grades at Elliston Elementary and 9^th-11^th grades at Powell County High School in Dee Lodge. She would obtain her GED in 1969 and then attend Helena Vo-Tech. She was honored with receiving her Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) certificate, making her 18th for the state of Montana in 1987. Mary Ann took great pride in her work as a PLS. She worked for 23 years for Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman Law Firm. 

Mary Ann married Wesley Wallace in 1956. This marriage produced three children, Eugene, Lorraine, and Tary. While Wes worked as a miner, Mary Ann was a wonderful homemaker and did her best to provide. Due to Wes’s career, the family moved from place to place frequently. The marriage dissolved in 1974, and Mary Ann settled back into her life in Elliston. After a short marriage to John Quigley III, she finally found the love of her life, John Arther Fee.

 The pair were happily married on July 3^rd, 1982. John loved his ‘Old Bag’ more than he loved his Rainier and Lucky Strikes, which, if you knew John, was almost impossible. The two moved into a beautiful home in Helena with a large sunroom, where Mary Ann took great pride in hosting family gatherings. The vast yard filled with fruit trees, rhubarb, raspberries, strawberries, horseradish, large willow trees and a paved patio provided the perfect entertaining space outside as well. The pair enjoyed tending to their large vegetable garden and canning all the “fruits of their labor.” They could often be found at their favorite ‘watering hole’ where they spent the evenings laughing and enjoying friends’ company. This favored couple were inseparable until John passed in 1995.  

After John’s passing, she found comfort from her friends at the ‘watering hole’ and Mary Ann filled her time with the game of horseshoes and helped orchestrate the pits being built. She cherished being the team captain for many years. Although many cars were dented and bruises were made, it was obvious how much passion she had for this sport. The horseshoe team called her “MA.” The whole league knew when they played MA’s team they were bound to have a delightful time. Her infectious smile, kind words, contagious laugh and ingenious sense of humor drew everyone in. She will always be greatly loved by her horseshoe community. 

Throughout her life, Mary Ann loved to be outdoors. Hunting, fishing, gardening, and observing beautiful scenery are just a few of the things she loved to do. Mary Ann, her parents John and Gladys Miller, and John Fee would travel all the way to Westport, Washington to catch and bring home salmon. She also relished her time with family and friends at the cabin built by her father, John Miller, and his brothers. It was there where she created so many wonderful memories of hunting, fishing, and watching her children and grandchildren grow. After her father passed, the cabin, and the land it sits on, was reclaimed by the Forest Service. The cabin is still standing today and can be found up the Little Blackfoot, where family still frequently visit. 

Traveling was also a passion of Mary Ann’s. She enjoyed many travels including an Alaskan cruise with her daughter, Lorri, and a solo trip to Germany where she visited her grandson, Jake, who was stationed there. On every trip, far and wide, she collected spoons. She proudly had on display over 70 spoons to show off all her wonderful traveling adventures. While Mary Ann enjoyed her time outdoors, she also enjoyed indoor activities such as reading, jigsaw puzzles, scrapbooking, coin collecting and playing cards. 

Mary Ann was preceded in death by John Fee (husband), Tary Mellon (daughter), Donna Weber (sister), George Miller (brother), Gladys and John Miller (parents) and many extended family members. 

Mary Ann is survived by her son, Eugene Wallace and wife, Laura of Avon; daughter, Lorraine Bigelow of Helena; niece, Julie McKenna (Weber) of Helena; nephews, John Weber of Helena; Ron Weber and wife Kari of Helena; grandchildren, Jacob Wallace of Texas; Andrew Wallace and wife, Jen of Helena; Rebecca (Wallace) and husband Jarred Griffith of Arkansas; Camillia (Bigelow) and husband, Shane Vincent-Seward of Helena; Katrina (Bigelow) and husband, Casey Guse of Helena; Dustin Mellen and wife, KT of Massachusetts; great-grandchildren, Hailey Wallace; Alicia Wallace; Arianna Wallace; Lexi Wallace; Jolene Wallace; Laiden Wallace; Darryl Wallace; Tyler (Kassidy) Bigelow; Zach Bigelow; Kyle Engdahl; Johnny Bieber; MyKayla Smith; Addyson Guse; Braxton Guse; Elouise Guse; JD Mellen; Charlie Mellen; Izzy Mellen and great-great-grandchild, Peyton Bigelow; as well as extended family members. 

The family wishes to express special appreciation to the staff of Cooney Rehab for their thoughtful care and support for Mary Ann, assisting her to attain the best quality of life possible and maintain independence, for the most part, for the last 4 years. Thank you so much. We are truly grateful. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mary Ann’s name to the Elliston Cemetery or an organization of your choice. 

Service Schedule

Celebration of Her Life

11:00 a.m.

Saturday March 14, 2026

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Avenue

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Funeral Reception

Immediately following the Funeral Service

Saturday March 14, 2026

Elliston School Gym

Elliston, Montana

View map

Burial

Postponed till Later Date Due to Weather Conditions

Elliston Cemetery

Elliston, Montana

View map

Share

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

No photos have been submitted yet.
Click here to share yours.