Mary Ann Axline, 82
Mary Ann Axline of Columbia Falls passed away Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Mary Ann was born on May 8, 1929, to James Edward and Nan Hamilton Ransbottom in Equality, Ill., a town so small that, as Mary Ann put it, “if you blinked, you missed it.”
Mary Ann grew up with two brothers, Harry Cheff and James W. Ransbottom. James has since passed away.
The family moved from Illinois to Detroit in 1939 so that Mary Ann’s father could continue his work in the automobile industry. In Detroit, Mary Ann attended Holy Rosary School, where she earned her high school diploma.
She then became employed at J. L. Hudson, where she was a gift wrapper for an incredible 37 and a half years. She retired in 1984 after being injured in a freight elevator accident.
Mary Ann found love with Robert Lucien Axline and on March 16, 1973, the couple married. He was a World War II veteran who served our country proudly in the U.S. Navy. Robert passed away on Aug. 11, 1987, due to cancer.
Mary Ann then moved to Montana, where she lived with her brother Harry Cheff and sister-in-law Patricia. Mary Ann had many family members in the area and quickly identified the Flathead Valley as home.
Surviving Mary Ann are her brother, Harry E. Cheff and wife Patricia; nephews, Robert Cheff, David Cheff and wife Jeanne and children, and Thomas Cheff and wife Sally and children; niece, Mary Jo Schneck and husband Bill and children; nephew, Harry N. Cheff and wife Judy and children; Jim Cheff and wife Kim; Jake Cheff and wife Lisa and daughter; Patrick Cheff and son; niece, Elizabeth Cheff and children; several cousins; and many friends.
Mary Ann was admitted to the Montana State Veterans Home on May 6, 2008, and lived on the 50-bed wing where she quickly cultivated friendships with other residents and staff members. She enjoyed bingo, horse racing, manicures, Catholic Mass, crafts, games, cookie bakes and the monthly ladies’ luncheons.
Mary Ann found great strength in her spiritual life and maintained a close, personal relationship with her higher power until the day she was called home.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at St. Richard’s Catholic Church. Viewing and a rosary will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Columbia Mortuary.
You are invited to go to www.columbiamortuary.com to offer condolences and view Mary Ann’s tribute wall.
Arrangements are entrusted to Columbia Mortuary.