Mary Dene Stocking, 91
Mary Dene Stocking, 91, passed away Monday, March 23, 2009, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born April 26, 1917, in Butte, the oldest daughter of Theodore and Mary (Carter) Carson. At a young age, Mary and her family moved to Helena, where she graduated from high school in 1935.
She married Ivan L. "Jack" Reynolds in 1935, and they had three children, Charles Lee, Susan and David. Ivan died in 1954.
Mary worked as a waitress and later for the state of Montana. She lived in Helena until 1958, at which time she married Robert Stocking and moved to Bob's home on the east shore of Flathead Lake. Mary was a Stanley Home Products dealer for many years. After Bob's death in 1963, she went to work for Northwestern National Life as an insurance agent; during this time she received many awards and numerous trips. She was an agent until her retirement.
She married LeRoy Ward in 1977, and they were later divorced.
Mary moved to Kalispell in 1991, where she lived independently until 2007. She lived with her daughter until November 2008, at which time she moved to Immanuel Lutheran Home.
Mary loved her flowers — the deck on her house on Ranch Road was covered with flowers. She enjoyed painting china, also the seminars and weekly meeting of her china painting group. She loved collecting and making dolls, both porcelain and rag. Mary's hands were always busy. She was a member of the 40E Eagles Club.
Mary was preceded in death by three brothers, William Carson, Theodore Carson and Tom "Tink" Carson; two sisters, Eva May Wirth and Faye Kramer; and two husbands, Ivan in 1954, and Robert in 1963.
She is survived by her two sons, Charles Lee Reynolds and wife, Judi, of Helena, and David Reynolds and wife, Cheryl, of Kalispell; one daughter, Susan Storfa, and husband, Charles, of Kalispell; and nine grandchildren, Charles Storfa Jr. of Soap Lake, Wyo., Michael Storfa of Deer Lodge, Charles Reynolds of Minnesota, Adam Reynolds and Michelle Brown of Kalispell, Tom McCarthy of Helena, Lisa Benson of Tucson, Ariz., Gary McCarthy of Phoenix, and Debbie McCarthy of Great Falls.
A memorial service for Mary will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28, in the Johnson-Gloschat funeral chapel.
The family suggest memorials be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Mary's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Mary's guest book.