Mary Alice Hanchett Mahugh peacefully passed on March 31, 2025.

Mary was born in Kalispell on May 29, 1929, to Ernest and Wanita Kelsey Hanchett. She was fortunate to live in the Flathead for all of her 95-plus years — Kalispell, Bitterroot Lake, the Flathead Mine, Bigfork, and Creston. She graduated from Flathead County High School in 1947 and worked at Montgomery Ward until she and Les Mahugh were married on Sept. 3, 1950. After 64 wonderful years together, Les passed on March 29, 2014.

Mary was proud to be a stay-at-home mother until her sons Dale and Gary were in high school. She assisted Les when he managed the Massey-Ferguson Farm Dealership in Kalispell. After that, she worked 13 years for Flathead County before retiring.

Mary belonged to the Bigfork/Creston Home Extension Club, and the Creston School Mothers’ Club. She was always ready to play pinochle and canasta and win at dominoes. When Les and Mary retired, they enjoyed traveling to Alaska and spending their winters in Yuma. Mary is survived by sons Dale (Linda) and Gary (Luann), and nephew Bryan whom she considered as a bonus son. She always thought of Linda and Luann as the daughters she never had. Mary was grandma to Andrea (Mark), Eric and Chris. Also, she was an aunt to numerous nephews and nieces.

The family is grateful for the extraordinary care and guidance we received from Logan Health Hospice and Loyal Care. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Mary requested memorials be sent to the Creston Fire Department, 4498 Montana 35, Kalispell, MT 59901. 

    Mary Alice Hanchett Mahugh