Mary E. Flesher, 93, of Clancy, Montana, passed away Tuesday, October 4th, 2022, in Clancy, MT at home with her family after a 10-year struggle with dementia. Mary was born in Anaconda, Montana, on July 2nd, 1929, to Andrew W. and Irene (Roberts) Tiefenthaler. Mary married her husband of 62 years, James (Jim) Dyer Flesher on June 11th, 1950. Mary was always proud of graduating from Anaconda High School at the age of 16. She had several jobs in Anaconda as a young woman and always told the story about how she “lied” about her age to get a job at Montgomery Wards. She then went on to work for Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company in Anaconda where she met Jim. They eventually ended up in Great Falls, Montana and then Helena, Montana where Mary found her lifelong career working in the medical records field. Mary worked for several doctors in Helena and eventually was the Head of Medical Records at St. John’s Hospital until it closed in 1973. She then assumed the same position at Shodair Crippled Children’s Hospital until her retirement. She continued doing part time medical records work later in life working for the Great Falls Clinic in Helena. She worked for Dr. Hopkins and helped him write his memoirs. Mary was always involved in many civic activities and loved doing things for other people. She was a long-time member of the Methodist Church, being a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Helena and then the Clancy United Methodist Church from 1977 until her passing. She was a long-time member of Josephine Hepner Chapter No. 79, Daughters of the Nile and served as 56th Queen.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Dyer Flesher, both of her parents, Andrew W. and Irene (Roberts) Tiefenthaler, sisters, Eleanor Schmauder, Elizabeth Beadle, and brother, Charlie Tiefenthaler. Mary is survived by her sister Alice Harper (Ogden, Utah), brothers Bill Tiefenthaler (Redlands, California), and Tom Tiefenthaler (Boulder, Montana), children, James Robert (Cheri) Flesher, Marilyn (Randy) Buck; grandchildren; Raymond Buck, Kathrynn (Dan) Parris, Tia (Glen) Hudelson, Lyssa Flesher, Chelsey Flesher, Sierra Garza, Savanah Mook, Mason Flesher, great grandson Theodore Parris, and numerous Nephews and Nieces.
The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, October 10th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11th at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the burial in the social hall at the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday October 10, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1 p.m.
Tuesday October 11, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday October 11, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemeterey
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday October 11, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday October 10, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1 p.m.
Tuesday October 11, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday October 11, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemeterey
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday October 11, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Karen K Tobel says
Mary was such a wonderful, graceful lady. She will be missed.
Stephanie Williams says
Mary was the most loving woman I ever met, she had the sweetest smile. I sure going to miss her.
Diane says
To Mary’s family
I was so sorry to learn that Mary passed away. She was one of the kindest most wonderful person I have ever known and I enjoyed being around her many times attending Eastern Star meetings and events. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. With greatest sympathy Diane Richter Pedersen, Helena MT
Vickie Rauser says
When I think about Mary, I remember her kindness toward those around her and her vocalized appreciation for the beauty of most anything that caught her eye – table decorations, nature, the colorful diversity of people around her. Prayers and sympathy to all her family and friends.
Sara Medley says
To Mary’s family,
Mary taught me so much as a student at Carroll doing our internship at Shodair. Always kind, patient and willing to share her knowledge and gifts, she was one of our first role models. Later she worked with my husband and he always remarked how kind and competent she was. I regret not keeping up with her. Beautiful smile, twinkling eyes. Lovely lady.
With deep sympathy,
Sara Medley
Bobbie Scott says
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. Such a gracious sweet woman. She was a good friend of my Mom, Joyce when they were both at Edgewood. My deepest sympathy to her family. She was a blessing in our lives.
Kathrynn says
Thanks for everything ❤️
Jodel Fohn says
I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She and my mum were friends and she was always so sweet and kind. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Mary Runkel says
I worked with Mary at Shodair, the old brick building downtown. I often worked nights and Mary was always there, bright and early in the morning with her smile. She was so lovely to work with. A delightful sense of humor with running jokes with the doctors to keep their records up to date.
May all your memories give you comfort.
Marilyn Buck says
Thank you so much for your wonderful messages