Mary Carlson

Mary Margret Carlson, 65, of Great Falls, passed away on January 13, 2014 after a courageous two year battle with small cell cancer at Benefis.Memorial services were held. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.Mary was born in Lewistown, Montana to Helyn and Leo Claus on August 3, 1948. She went to school in Belle Fourche, SD and Lewistown, MT. Mary married Stephen Carlson in 1983. She worked in food services for several companies.Mary loved to work in her flower gardens, cooking for her family and friends, hosting summer barbeques and get togethers, her kitties, Cookie and Muffin, and puppy, Porch. She loved to laugh and was high on life.Mary is survived by her husband, Stephen Carlson; sons Paul (Cindee Green) Kerley of Great Falls, Jamie (Michelle) Kerley of Kalama, WA, and Stephen (Cassidy Pavlonnis) Carlson Jr of Great Falls; sisters Bobbi (Tommie) Crook of Power and Susan (Alan) Larocque of Great Falls; sister-in-law Laura OMeara; several grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her favorite grand puppies.She was preceded in death by her father, Leo Claus; mother Helyn Downing; step-father David Downing; brothers Patrick Claus, Michael OMeara and Ardell Joe OMeara.Memorials may be given to the Lung Cancer Alliance at www.lungcancer.org.The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who stood beside Mary and us for the last two years.