Grace “Gracie” McCullough passed away Monday, February 11, 2019. Grace was born March 17, 1921 in Missoula, Montana. Grace was the second of four children born to Henry and Jenny (O’Neill) Anders. She came from immigrant pioneer families (German, Sweden and Ireland) who settled in the Helena area in the 1800’s. She and her older brother Henry “Buddy” Anders grew up in Helena, Montana and were in the newly built high school for two months when the 1935 earthquake struck. As a result, they went to school for two years in railroad coaches.
Grace met Vern McCullough her senior year of high school and they were married after her graduation on September 9, 1939. Their two sons, Bob and Rick, were born in the early forties. When Grace’s mother died, she and Vern had her father Henry’s family move in with them and helped raise her younger brother Jerry and sister Donna. Because Donna was so young, Grace “Sis” became more like a mother to her than a sister and a very close relationship evolved.
Grace worked for the Bell Telephone Company the year she graduated, then became a full-time caregiver to her family, her father’s family and extended family. Having many of her older aunts and uncles to care for as the years progressed, and then grandchildren and great grandchildren, her home and heart were filled with love. She spent her life caring for and giving to others, a selfless, wonderful woman.
During WWII, Grace and Vern lived in Pasco, Washington and Jeffersonville, Indiana. In 1946, they moved to Great Falls, Montana (with their “family” of seven) where Vern was a salesman for Montana Powder and Equipment Company. In Great Falls, Mrs. McCullough was active in the PTA, the Presbyterian Church and Woman’s Circle. She was a Brownie and Cub Scout leader and belonged to the Degree of Honor.
In 1951, they returned to Helena where Vern was sales manager and then vice president of the Montana Powder and Equipment Company. They were still a family of seven and lived at 1007 Choteau. In Helena, Grace was a Bluebird leader and a Cub Scout leader. She belonged to the Naomi Circle at the church and was with the organizing group of League of Women Voters. Two of her special memories were sitting across the table from Eleanor Roosevelt when she visited their league and also meeting Jeanette Rankin, the first woman senator from Montana.
Grace lost her younger son, Rick to cancer in 1988. This was a very hard time in her life. Her son Bob played football for the Colorado Buffaloes at University of Colorado and also played professional football with the Denver Broncos. He retired as vice president of Dean Witter Reynolds and made his mother quite happy when he and Judi returned to live in Helena, in 2009.
In 1994, Grace and Vern sold their house and bought a condo on Saddle Drive in Helena. Her beloved Vern preceded her in death in 2004.
Grace is survived by her son, Bob McCullough and his wife, Judi; her brother, Jerry Anders and wife Joan, and sister, Donna Hodgson and husband Rod. She is also survived by her grandson Burke McCullough, great grandsons, Tanner and B.J. McCullough, daughter-in-law Loreto McCullough, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
We would like to acknowledge the wonderful treatment provided by the folks at Son Heaven. We want to especially single out Hazel Noonen and Leah Betcher, and all of those who made Mom’s last days more comfortable.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00am
Saturday May 25, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday May 25, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
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Allen Stenhjem Family says
Bob,
What a Great and Wonderful Lady, God Bless Grace……………
Mary Phelps says
My Auntie Grace…so precious and so missed.
Edie Witham says
Bob, Judy and Family
Grace was such a wonderful person and I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to all of you. Losing the Matriarch of your family is so hard. Please know that I’m thinking of you always.
Love,
Edie
Wanda Forbes says
I loved Grace so much. She and I were like soul sisters and shared so much in common, among them our deep love for cats.. Our frequent family visits to her home when I was a child are among my fondest memories. My sincerest condolences Donna, Jerry, Bob and families.
God Bless,
Your Cousin Wanda
Claudene and Steve Carkeek says
So many precious memories of Grace, and because she and Mom were close, some date back to childhood. She left a wonderful legacy. She will be missed.
Love, Claudene and Steve
Kay Hoy says
So sorry to hear about Grace’s passing. She was a truly wonderful woman and loved by so many. She and Sydney are celebrating “in style” in heaven like they always did. All of you, her family will miss her terribly but will keep her alive forever through your memories. Prayers and good thoughts for all of you, Kay and Jere
Bob Redpath says
sorry for your loss of a wonderful mother and person. She was so very kind to me since the mid-1950’s.
DARLENE MILLER SCOTT says
Donna, Jerry, Bob and Families. Heaven has truly received a wonderful Angel. Grace was always so kind, and soft spoken. A gorgeous lady, inside and out. Always smiling. Some of the best memories of my childhood were when we would visit her and Vern. 51 years ago this summer she hosted a very nice wedding shower for me, that will always be a fond memory. All of our lives are blessed to have had Grace a part of it. So sad that she has passed, but finding comfort in knowing that she is at peace. My sincerest sympathy and prayers.
Darlene Miller Scott
Cousin
Pat Hoy says
Grace was so easy to like, she had a smile that made everyone around her feel happy. Her and Vern drove up to visit with Sydney many years ago, in a beautiful little blue mustang convertible. I’ll always remember that day because she was so happy and her smile was radiant. She was also very down to earth, I told her I was working on a classic car and she said “Don’t wait to long to do it, time goes fast”. I’ll miss Grace.
Pat Hoy and Family
DORIS ROMANISKO says
Bob, Judi, Mary P, and Family…. I’m saddened to learn of Grace’s passing. She was a genteel woman and a pleasure to visit with…and a very special friend of the Foundation. May her memories live on in your hearts and those she touched.
CHARLEA Sherman says
Grace will always be remembered for her smile and love of life. Sydney and I always had memorable visits over 60 years. I learned a lot about life listening to those two discuss many life events. Most fun when they disagreed and each would hold their own. I am so happy to have had Grace and her lovely family in my life. God Bless, Charlea Hoy Sherman
sam stewart says
So sorry Bob and Judi. She had a full and wonderful life. She was always kind to me as I grew up across the alley from you all. She was a wonderful friend to me and my family.
Robert Hoffmann says
Bob I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. My thoughts and prayers are sent to you and your family.
Mariann Cross Wenstrom says
Grace was in my life through Gramma Sydney Hoy. I learned a lot from her over the years, and about life long friendships. I always admired Grace and always will . What a wonderful, kind, considerate woman . She set such a good example to me when I was younger. My Mom was one of the Box Car students along with Gramma Sydney and Grace. I went to High School with Ricky. This family has been in and out of my life over the years. What a lasting legacy she leaves . My prayers are with Bob and Judi at her passing.
Carol Hanson says
Bob and family, I will truly miss Grace sitting next to me at Read Aloud. She was one I could depend on to stay awake! Thinking of you.