Marian Cromwell

Marian Cromwell, 83, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 3, 2016, at Peace Hospice.Marian was the last born of seven children to Joe and Nellie Johnson on June 4, 1932. Joe and Nellie were pioneer settlers in the area north of Outlook, Montana. At her birth, a name had not been chosen and the doctor said, Well, I have two sisters, Clara and Gladys, so thats what she was named. Later, she took it upon herself to change her name to Marian, and those close to her knew her as Minnow, Munga, or Grandma McNutt.Marian graduated from Outlook High School and was a strong supporter and cheerleader for the Outlook Bluejays, and was also a member of the Glee Club. On November 7, 1953, Marian wed Calvin Cromwell and they had four children, raising them in Havre and Great Falls. Marian was a homemaker until their divorce, at which time she ventured out into the world of retail, working at Ben Franklin and Anthonys Clothing. Those who had the pleasure of working and shopping with her, enjoyed her spunk and personality.The pride of Marians life was her eight grandchildren and great granddaughter. She didnt miss a sporting event, Christmas program, recital or graduation. Her grandchildren have fond memories of sleepovers, art projects, baking, running through the sprinkler, swinging on the swing set, playing baseball in the front yard, and going on walks. She would even take them to different restaurants for lunch because no one could agree on one place. Imagine that! After school, Grandma McNutt would greet them with a snack tray, even up until high school all the junk food they could ask for and then a little dish of veggies to make it look nutritious! As adults in the working world, this special time continued on lunch breaks dining together on PBJs and chicken noodle soup. Her doors were wide open and she was always eager to pour some coffee and catch up on life.Marian enjoyed every and all holidays and spending time with her family. She loved to bake, was an avid reader, and loved crossword puzzles and word jumbles, even pretending not to be able to figure out the last couple words so the grandkids would think they were genius.Marian is survived by her four children, all of Great Falls, Kristi Anderson, Shelley Warehime, Scott Cromwell, and Tracy (Dave) Perry; grandchildren Lindsey (Brenton) Trogdon and great-granddaughter Hadley Trogdon, of Coeur dAlene, Idaho, Madison Warehime of Great Falls, Paige Cromwell and Cal Cromwell of Great Falls, Taylor Perry of Great Falls, Brooke Perry of New York City, Lauren Perry of Missoula, and Cameron Perry of Great Falls. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including a very special niece, Billie Jean Holton, and her husband, Harold, who held Marian close to their hearts and took very good care of her through the years.She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Eunice and Norma; brothers Arthur, Clarence, Dennis and Glenn; and longtime dear friends, Billie Jo Smith and Marlys Mangold, all of whom we bet are happy to see her again. There is a lot to catch up on!Everyone who knew Marian remarks on her infectious smile and laugh. Even up to the end of her life, and not one to complain when asked how she was doing, she would simply smile and say, just wonderful.At Marians request, no funeral services are being planned and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.Our family would like to thank the staff at the Ruby House for taking care of our beloved mother and grandmother the last years of her life, and would also like to thank the staff and volunteers at Peace Hospice. We are very blessed to have the amazing Peace Hospice in our community. If so inclined, please send charitable donations to Peace Hospice, 1101 26th Street South, Great Falls MT 59405.