Mary Ann Peery passed away peacefully in her sleep in Helena, Montana on the evening of April 22, 2026, at 94 years of age.
Mary Ann was born in Wheatland, Wyoming on September 20, 1931, to George and Esther Dinges. She grew up and attended school in Wheatland, where she worked on the family farm before attending Central Business College in Denver. Mary Ann worked as a secretary through the years for several companies. By her own account, she wasn’t the best typist but could ‘correct’ better than anyone she knew!
Mary Ann met her husband Russ through her brother George, who was friends with Russ. They married on October 22, 1950, in Wheatland, WY, where their daughter Linda was later born. They lived in Wheatland for several years before moving to the Billings, Montana area, where they had their son Mike, and they eventually moved to Helena in 1971.
Mary Ann was an avid crafter, spending time creating wonderful items for friends, family, and church bazaars. Her house was always adorned with special items she had made, and friends and family also benefited from her homemade decorations. She was very skilled.
After retiring, Mary Ann and Russ spent many winters in Arizona and would return to Montana for the summer. They enjoyed attending cowboy poetry gatherings around the state and spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary Ann and Russ were married 66 years before his passing in 2017.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers George and Harry Dinges, and her husband Russ.
Mary Ann is survived by her sister Dora Miller of Greeley, CO; her brother Rob Dinges of Greeley, CO; her daughter Linda Goodman of Billings; her son Mike Peery of Helena; grandsons Drew, Mitch and Nick Peery and Jon Anderson; granddaughter Tammi Pronovost; 5 great-grandchildren, and miscellaneous extended family.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be 1:00 p.m. Friday May 15, 2026, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A lite reception will follow in the social center of the funeral home. Placement of her cremated remains will be in the columbarium niche at the Montana State Veteran Cemetery at Ft. Harrison will follow the reception.
Memorials in Mary Ann’s name are suggested to the New Life Lutheran Church 5980 N. Montana Avenue Helena, Montana 59602.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Friday May 15, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
Immediately following the Service
Friday May 15, 2026
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
Inurnment
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 15, 2026
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Friday May 15, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
Immediately following the Service
Friday May 15, 2026
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
Inurnment
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 15, 2026
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Marcia Olson says
Dear Linda and Mike and families,
I’m so sorry your mom is gone. I have so many great memories of her from spending time at your house when we were young. I’ll especially remember her big smile and how welcome she always made me feel. Rest in peace, dear Mary Ann.
Love,
Marcia/Sha-Sha
BRENDA TRUJILLO says
To Linda and Mike,
Your mom was an incredible person and her legacy will ive on in you. I was blessed to have her as my Godmother and Aunt. She always remembered me on my birthday and Christmas.
She will be dearly missed.
Our sympathies to the whole family.
Brenda & Juan