Mary Stokes

Mary Foley (Grady) Stokes, age 101, passed away April 18, 2024 at Benefis Teton Medical Center, Choteau, Montana. The daughter of Leo and Katherine (Foley) Grady, she was born October 28, 1922, at Saint Mary's Hospital in Conrad, Montana. Both her maternal and paternal grandparents emigrated to America from County Mayo, Ireland in the late 1860's. Mary was 100% Irish. Proud of her heritage, her favorite holiday was March 17, Saint Patrick's Day.

Mary graduated from Conrad High School in 1939 and went to work as a secretary in the Federal Land Bank in Conrad. In 1942, she moved to Great Falls, Montana to work in the office of the General Mills Flour Company. In April 1944, Mary and Gerald Guy Stokes of Valier, Montana married. They moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where Gerald was stationed in the United States Army Air Corps. After WWII ended, Mary and Gerald moved back to Montana to the "Sticky" Leech Ranch southwest of Dupuyer, Montana. In 1957, they moved to the Shawver place adjacent to Pendroy, Montana and later expanded their farmland holdings to include the Engstrand, Moon and Robinson farms. There they worked the land and raised seven (7) children. In June of 1990, Mary and Gerald retired from farming and moved to Choteau, Montana.

Mary belonged to the Choteau Toastmistress Club and enjoyed attending workshops and seminars in public speaking. She won several regional and international speech contests. She was a Girl Scout leader and a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Choteau Catholic Church. Mary was on the Board of Directors of the Skyline Lodge and Choteau Performing Arts League Board of Directors.

Throughout her life, Mary was devoted to her family and her Catholic faith. When once asked, "What's your best advice for your grandchildren?" (Grandma) Mary replied, "Be resilient - meet life as it comes, gaining from the past and moving toward the future. Be the best you can be and be satisfied with yourself."

Mary is survived by her children: Gerald (Jerry) Guy Stokes, Jr. (Karen), California; Patricia Ann Truman (Fleet), Alaska; Thomas Parley Stokes II (Lynda), Washington; Robert Leo Stokes (Debbie), Montana; Rosemarie R. DeRuwe, Washington; son-in-law Larry Brownell, Montana, 23 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Guy Stokes, her son Paul James Stokes, and her daughter Kathleen Mary (Stokes) Brownell.

A Vigil/Rosary Service will be held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Choteau Montana, May 8, 2024 at 5:30 PM. Funeral Services will be held at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, Choteau Montana, May 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM.

Please direct any Memorials or Donations to the Charity of the Donor's choice. Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 873, Choteau, Montana 59422-0873.