On the morning of Saturday, April 11, 2026, Nola Jean (NJ) McCullough passed away peacefully at the age of 81. She was surrounded and comforted by her loving family at Son Heaven Assisted Living in Helena, Montana.
NJ was born on November 6, 1944, in Lewistown, Montana, the first child of Robert and Jean McCullough. She was raised in Hobson, Montana, where she attended school through high school. In the years that followed, she lived in Lewistown, Stanford, and eventually moved to Helena, Montana.
NJ worked as a bookkeeper and spent part of her career with the Judith Basin County Road Department in Stanford during the 1980s. In 1987, she moved to Helena and began working for the State of Montana, where she remained for 27 years until her retirement in 2014. During her time with the state, she formed many lasting friendships.
NJ lived a full and rewarding life surrounded by dear friends and beloved family. She had a contagious sense of humor and a playful spirit that drew people to her. She loved to laugh, pull pranks, and surprise friends with her lighthearted antics, including spray confetti, never taking herself too seriously. She was a loyal friend, always willing to listen and offer support.
She enjoyed playing in pool leagues, camping, and spending time on the water kayaking or rafting with friends. NJ especially loved socializing and could often be found enjoying time with friends on Wednesday and Friday nights at her favorite local spots. In Stanford, she frequented The Pump Bar and Jim’s Waterhole Saloon, and in Helena, she enjoyed the Corner Bar and the American Legion. She was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
NJ was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jean McCullough. She is survived by her sons, Steve Schlosser (Rhonda) of Helena and Doug Schlosser (Lisa) of Helena; her brother, Ken McCullough of Billings; her grandchildren, Doug Baertsch, Whitney Gerleman, Chase Gerleman, Shea Schlosser (Katie) all of Helena, Lacey Morse of East Helena, Cole Morse (Tiffany) of Clancy, Kendall Schlosser of Missoula, and Avery Schlosser of Bozeman; and her great-grandchildren, Kenna Waayenberg, Kannon Schlosser, and Nora Gerleman. She is also survived by her nephews, Joseph McCullough (Sandy) and Jeffrey McCullough (Kimberly) of Billings and numerous cousins and extended family.
At NJ’s request, there will be no formal service. Instead, a celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 25th, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 2, in Helena. Family and friends are invited to come, share stories, and celebrate the many joyful memories she created.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Son Heaven Assisted Living for their exceptional care and compassion over the past two years. Special thanks also to Headwaters Hospice and Palliative Care for their kindness and support during NJ’s final days.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Caleb Dalton says
NJ was one of my favorite ones at Son heaven she will be missed a lot fly high sweet lady❤️
Fran says
I knew NJ at the Montana Department of Commerce. She never took things too seriously but she always did terrific contract work. I worked with her for almost ten years. She and Mary were a great team. Thanks to both of them
for assisting me.
With love and comfort to NJ’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren,
Fran (from Business Resources)
Diane says
I got to know NJ at Son Heaven when she became friends with another resident who was a special friend to me. I loved her sense of humor and devilish attitude. I continued to visit her periodically after my friend passed way. I always brought her something chocolate that I made as she was very fond of chocolate.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.
Christine Schlosser says
I loved this beautiful lady as she provided me with my 2 favourite completely awesome nephews who were more like my little brothers. My ❤️ is with my boys and I’m quite sorry they lost a fun mom..