Mary Lou (Houberg) Horne passed away Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Touchmark Memory Care after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 84 years old. Mary Lou was born on April 26, 1936 in Lincoln, Montana to Roy and Margaret Houberg. She and her sister Betty were raised in Lincoln and Helena. On February 17, 1953 Mary Lou married her high school sweetheart Robert Horne. Mary Lou and Bob moved to Nebraska when Bob enlisted in the Air Force. After the conclusion of the Korean War they returned to Helena where they raised five daughters. Mary Lou would have loved a son sprinkled in there somewhere, but, as she lamented, “Bob always got his way.”
In 1963 Mary Lou went to work for the Montana Power Company. She retired after more than 30 years as the division secretary, a job that gave her a sense of great pride and valuable friends.
Mary Lou and Bob enjoyed horseback trips into the Bob Marshal and Scapegoat Wildernesses and were excellent cowboy jitterbug dancers. She was a tireless worker who instilled a strong work ethic and perseverance in her daughters. (We are not stubborn, we persevere.) Raising five independent young ladies could not have been an easy task, yet she did it masterfully.
After Bob’s untimely death in 1991, Mary Lou joined the Presbyterian Church where she was active in the church choir and served as an elder. She truly treasured the opportunity to lift her beautiful voice in song. Mar Lou was an accomplished seamstress and quilter. She possessed quite the green thumb, creating flower planters that were beautiful works of art.
Mary Lou treasured her grandchildren and enthusiastically supported them as they participated in various activities. She spent may hours heartily cheering on the Helena High Bengals and the Carroll College Saints. Unfortunately Alzheimer’s robbed her of the ability to know and enjoy her great grandchildren. She would have loved watching them grow and would have been so very proud.
Mary Lou is survived by her daughters and their spouses: Jeanne and Les Dorrington and Kelle and Joe McMahon of Helena, Jody Stuart of Shelby, Lori and Wes Carahasen of Billings, and Tawnie and Joe Cortez of Minnesota. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her sister Betty Neiman, and son-in-law Glenn Stuart.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services will be held later this spring when we can safely gather to celebrate this beloved and remarkable woman. Memorials may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Helena Angel Fund.
We would like to give special thanks to the amazing caregivers at Touchmark Memory Care (Garnet Unit) for their compassionate and tender care of Mary Lou over the last 7 years. You fought the good fight, Mom. Rest easy now and know that we will be okay and we love you dearly.
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Leona Zaharko says
Jeanne and Les, I’m so very sorry for your great loss
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
I have fond memories of singing in the choir with Mary Lou at the Presbyterian Church. She was a lovely lady who was so kind to everyone. To her wonderful family, we’re so sorry for your loss. Mary Lou was a delight.
Liz Tobosa says
I grew up with the Horne girls. I was at their house more than at my own. Mary Lou somehow knew that a lonely little girl with no siblings needed her big family to liven things up and always made her feel welcome. I remember piling into the station wagon going to rodeos and fishing in creeks, being chased by cows, things I never would have done if not for her. I will always remember her laugh and her wry sense of humor. Mary Lou felt like a second mother to me during the days of my youth. I cherish my memories of her and her family.
Diann and Jim Fradette says
Jim and I send our condolences to Mary Lou’s family. We have been missing her. I am sure these 7 years have not been easy for everyone. I went to grade school with Mary Lou and was in Philharmonic with her in high school. When we moved back to Helena after we were married I joined the Tridecum Homemakers Club where she was a member. She was a special lady! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Michelle Haley Touchmark Nocs shift says
RIP Mary Lou I will miss your smile and giggle .Heaven gained a wonderful angel!Thank you for letting me take care of you for 5 years. Michelle Haley
nancy Yager says
My thoughts and prayers to your family. She was an amazing women in many ways and will be missed. Thank you for sharing her with us for the past six years here at Touchmark. Nancy
Carol Duval says
My condolences to Mary Lou’s family. I met Mary Lou after joining Tridecum Homemakers Club many years ago when we moved to Helena. She was a very dear and special lady with the most beautiful smile I’ll always remember. Losing my husband to Alzheimers in the past year I can relate to how difficult it must have been for you girls also to go through this journey with her. God bless you all in this difficult time. Carol Duval
Barbara Knutson says
Kelly and family I am so sad to hear of you beautiful mom’s passing. She is now on to her next exciting journey. I know that you will miss her greatly. She was a wonderful woman. Love and prayers. Barb (Ekman) Knutson
Pamela Scott says
Dear Kelly and Family,
I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. It is one of the hardest things to go through, ever!
Keep in mind that she is in a better place and jitterbugging with your dad!
God Bless!
Rod Applegate says
Kelle, Joe and family. I’m sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Darlene Horne says
Mary Lou was the sweetest, kindest person to work with. She was willing to help everyone. She loved her girls, the outdoors and the trips her and Bob took.
She was truly an amazing person
Michael says
Very sorry of Mary’s passing! She was always very gracious and kind. Condolences to all her great family. So sorry!
Jennie Goodman- Herrin says
Dear Tawny,
Going waaaayyy back, I remember your mom as that Hallmark kind of mother, kind, beautiful and so sweet. I was always so envious of your ranch house. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Jennie Goodman- Herrin
Tonna Strasko says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
God bless
Tonna Strasko
(member of First Presbyterian Church – Helena)
Hugh and Vicki Jenks says
Hugh and Vicki Jenks send very heartfelt condolences to the entire family. We have many wonderful memories and stories from the many years we enjoyed Mary Lou, Bob and the entire family. Many years of camping, fishing, backcountry pack trips and even celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary party and the wonderful 2 weeks in Hawaii that followed. Living next door to Les and Jeannie while they raised their wonderful boys was also a great time. We along with everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting Mary Lou will miss her greatly. We were sad that we could not be there for the services and the family as we are still in AZ. We would have loved to see everyone again. We are very sorry for you loss. Love to all the family.