“The kiss of the sun for pardon.
The song of the birds for mirth.
One is nearer God’s heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.”
-Dorothy Frances Gurney
On a chilly November 19, 1926, Mary Louise Frey was born in Helena to Willis Haller Frey and Bessie Lee Butler. She lived her 86 wonderful years in Helena where she shared her life with her family and many, many friends. She attended Central School through the 8th grade (she was the second of three generations to attend that school) and graduated from Helena High School in 1944.
Mary Lou began her long career with the Algeria Shrine Temple after graduating from high school. She was hired as the secretary to the Algeria Recorder. Shortly after being hired, a member of the Shrine said, “She is too young. She’ll never last.” However, Mary Lou proved them wrong and lovingly worked for the Shrine organization for over 50 years. In her capacity with the Shriners, she met many of her long-time friends and was well-known throughout the state. She was also a member of the Daughters of the Nile.
Mary Lou married her high school sweetheart, Warren Henry “Hank” Kropp, on July 15, 1949 in Helena and they were blessed with three children: Vicki, Bill, and Karen Marie. Mary Lou loved flower gardening and the sunshine of summer. Her flowers and yard were a symbol of her love of life. She and Hank spent many hours camping, boating, and enjoying the Montana outdoors. She was an antiques expert and rarely missed an antique show in Helena and loved to go antique shopping across the state. She especially loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren and we all have so many fond memories of time spent with her. Her fabulous dinners were always enjoyed by everyone but her specialty was apple pie; no one in our family has been able to make an apple pie as delicious as hers but we will continue to try. Mary Lou came from a very musical family and she spent many hours playing beautiful music on the piano that once belonged to her grandmother. She loved to travel with special friends and visited many beautiful places in the United States and around the world.
Mary Lou passed away on October 8, 2013 with family by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant daughter, Karen Marie, in 1964; and her husband, Hank, on November 10, 1986. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Vicki and John Horton of Helena, and Bill and Helen Kropp of Stevensville; and by her grandchildren Jennifer (David) Auker of Aurora, CO; Jeffrey Horton of Helena; Kallan Kropp of Big Sky; and Katelyn Kropp of Missoula. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Willie and Don Kieckbusch of Belgrade as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and her countless friends.
A celebration of Mary Lou’s life will be held at Retz Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, October 15 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A reception will then be held at the Algeria Shrine Center, 15 N. Jackson Street, hosted by the Daughters of the Nile.
The family suggests that memorial donations may be made in Mary Lou’s name to: Algeria Shrine Transportation Fund, P.O. Box 1174, Helena, MT 59624 or to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children – Spokane, 911 W. 5th Ave., Spokane, WA 99204. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Mary Lou, please visit below.
Mary Lou will be watching over all of us and smiling. “Never say good-bye, just wave and honk!”
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 15, 2013
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 15, 2013
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
After the service
Tuesday October 15, 2013
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the burial
Tuesday October 15, 2013
Algeria Shrine Temple
15 N. Jackson St.
Helena, MOntana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 15, 2013
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 15, 2013
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
After the service
Tuesday October 15, 2013
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the burial
Tuesday October 15, 2013
Algeria Shrine Temple
15 N. Jackson St.
Helena, MOntana 59601
Diane Richter Pedersen says
Vicki and family,
I was so sorry to learn that your mom passed away. I remember having lunch with my mom and your mom many times at the Consistory. Your mom was a wonderful person and will be missed by so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We will send a donation in your mom,s name to the Shrine Transportation Unit as I know that the Shrine was very important to her.
With deepest sympathy,
Diane Richter Pedersen and family
Gig Riddle & family says
Vicki, Bill and family,
Would give anything to be with you guys, but am with you in spirit. Your Mom (my “Aunt Mary”) was and will always be very special to me and my family. I’ll never forget the many trips to Helena to visit “Uncle Hank” and “Aunt Mary”. God Bless you. Love you guys.
“Cousin” Gig
Debbie (Card) Morrison says
Vicki and family:
My mom and I were so saddened by your mother’s passing. We had just chatted with both of you a couple of weeks ago when we ran into each other. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the family. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed. Love to everyone.
Debbie & Dolly