Mary Beaton Russell Little

Mary Beaton Russell Little passed away peacefully in her sleep early Monday morning, July 18, 2011.

At the time of her death, Mary was residing at The Living Center in Jackson, Wyo., and had just spent time with all of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and friends who gathered in Jackson for the wedding of her grandson, David Morin, to Brittany Bohnet. It was a special time for all of us because, not only were we celebrating their marriage, but, unknowingly, we were also blessed with one last opportunity to kiss, hug, and let Mom know how much we loved her.

Mary was born on Sept. 3, 1918, and was the only child of James and Laura Beaton Russell who resided in Jamaica Plain (Boston), Mass. She attended school in the Boston area and received a medical secretarial science degree (1939) and a bachelor of science degree (1943) from Colby Junior College in New London, N.H.

While working as a lab technician for the state laboratory in the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover, N.H., she met the love of her life, Amos Rogers “Bud” Little Jr., M.D. They were married at Bud’s mother’s farm in Marlborough, Mass., on July 11, 1942.

While Bud was serving in the U.S. Army Air Force during World II, Bud and Mary slowly made their way West and, following the war, found the Big Sky and built their home and raised their three children on Flowerree Street in Helena.

Bud practiced medicine and Mary devoted her life to her husband and children. Mary loved the outdoors, tending to her yard and rock gardens, horseback riding in the summers and alpine skiing in the winters. She was active in the Northern Division Ski Association and the United States Ski Association, racing herself and driving her children to ski races all over Montana. In recognition of Mary’s and Bud’s time and effort on behalf of amateur ski racing, in 1988 the United States Ski Association awarded them the first annual “Bud and Mary Little Award.” Some of Mary’s other volunteer work included help with and support of the Helena Trail Riders, the annual Last Chance Stampede, and the League of Women Voters. She was the chairman of the 1977 National High School Rodeo Queen contest.
Mary also loved knitting, cooking, reading, was current with local and world news and events and was always working on a crossword puzzle. Meals were eaten together as a family and she always treated her family to something new, different and gourmet. She was not big on desserts, but her willingness to venture into her collection of cookbooks always meant her family would be treated to a culinary delight. Buddy was the risk-taker, and Mary the caretaker, and it was through Mary’s efforts that her children were allowed the freedom to pursue their dreams while she, with all of her grace and quiet fortitude, kept her family’s lives in balance.

Mary was the biggest fan of her granddaughter, Laura, and Laura’s soccer career. She and Laura spent a special final afternoon together on Sunday, July 17, watching and rooting for the American women in the women’s World Cup soccer match. When Mary went to sleep that night, knowing events turn out as they ought to, it was OK that Japan won. Mary lived a long and good life. And, if there is something on the other side, in addition to her family and friends who will be waiting there for her smile, there is no doubt her horses, Rala, Ringo Star and The John, will also be there waiting for a rub on the nose and a treat from her hand.

Mary is survived by her children, James Russell Little (Lisa Ridgway) of Jackson, Wyo., Susan Hilburn Little Stanaway (Fred Stanaway) of Helena and Amos Rogers Little III, (Darlene Durgan) of Helena; her grandchildren, James Russell Little Jr. (Carolyn Little), Ann Little (John Dunn), David Morin (Brittany Morin) and Laura Morin Holien (David Holien); and her great-grandson, Zack Little.

Finally, with sincere gratitude, the Little family thanks all of the wonderful care givers at The Living Center in Jackson and the Waterford in Helena for all of the attention and love with which they graced Mary these past few years.

Come join family and friends at a social gathering celebrating Mary’s life to be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 11th at the Green Meadow Country Club,Helena.

Memorials may be made in Mary’s name to the charity of your choice or to the Belmont Ski Education Foundation, P.O. Box 480, Helena, MT 59624.