Mary Lee Berry, 89

Mary Lee Berry, 89, passed away peacefully Sept. 17, 2025, at her home in Whitefish from natural causes. 

Mary Lee was born on Jan. 16, 1936, in Conrad to Robert J. Eppe and Cecile C. Durnell. She spent her childhood ice skating, swimming, and helping on the family farm. One of her fondest memories was of a gentle bull who would walk her to the bus stop each morning and meet her again after school. At age 14, she began working at Pondera Drug to save money for her first car. She graduated with honors from Conrad High School. Mary Lee often said that if she had accepted her scholarship, she would have become a teacher, as she really enjoyed learning and teaching others. 

In 1954, she married her high school sweetheart, Howard A. Berry "Howie," following his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. To this union, four children were born. In 1956, Howie and Mary Lee built and ran Berry’s Greenhouse and Floral, where she worked as a floral designer specializing in weddings for over a decade. The family later moved to Whitefish where Mary Lee and Howie ran Valley Vending, later she worked as a science and math aide at Whitefish Central School, at Ellingson Real Estate Office, and in retail sales at Village Shop and McGough and Co, a position she especially enjoyed until retirement.

Mary Lee and Howie loved camping in their van and visiting the hot springs. Mary Lee especially enjoyed ice skating, skiing and dancing. A devoted reader until losing her eyesight to macular degeneration, she also delighted in baking — her pineapple cake and brownies were family favorites. Spring was her favorite season; she loved to watch the trees emerge from winter. She said digging in the dirt was good for her soul; enjoying all of her beautiful flowers and pulling weeds were a few of her favorite things.

Mary Lee is survived by her three living siblings, Rob (Shelley) Eppe of Evergreen, Colorado; Cathy (Rob) Christiaens of Valier and Greg (Cindy) Eppe of Sheridan, Wyoming. She is also survived by her children, Jill Berry, Jennifer Marvin, Joe (Shelley) Berry and James (Angie) Berry; her grandchildren, Jessica Berry, Joshua Marvin, Angie McMichael, Joe Berry, Dustin Marvin, Jacob (Raleigh) Berry and Jade Berry; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, Howie; her little sister, Jeanne and Jeanne’s husband, Tracey Kramer.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Mary Lee’s life and the scattering of her ashes will be held in the Spring. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Flathead County Animal Shelter, honoring Mary Lee’s love for animals, or to StillWater Hospice and Palliative Care. 

"When you see a butterfly, think of me." —  Mary Lee Berry 

To send online condolences, please visit austinfh.com.