Marjorie Hawke Flynn

Marjorie Hawke Flynn, 102, of Billings, passed away peacefully at Valley Health and Rehabilitation, on Feb. 5, 2018.

Marge was born on Feb. 2, 1916, to Thomas and Martha (Ball) Hawke of Butte. She attended the School of Mines, where she played on the basketball team. Being a diehard Griz fan, she transferred to the University of Montana, graduating with degrees in home economics, chemistry and English. After college she moved to Fairview to teach school. There, she met Roland Flynn and started the relationship they would enjoy for decades to come. After three years in Fairview, at the start of WWII, she moved back to Butte to continue teaching. During the war years, she was a block captain, helping to organize the blackout drills for her neighborhood. She was also active in Eastern Star and sang in the Mountain View United Methodist Choir. After the war, she and Roland married and lived in Butte, where they had their only child, Nan. In 1956, they moved to Billings, living in the same house and attending the same church, Grace United Methodist, for over 50 years. She remained very active in the community, acting as precinct judge during elections, joining the PTA, helping with church rummage sales and countless other volunteer activities.

She was one of the best people anyone could know. She never met a stranger. Anytime she was left alone, she would quickly strike up a conversation with anyone willing to indulge her. She would introduce us to strangers and follow it up with their life story. Also an avid sports fan, she could sit and discuss the latest game, whether it was the Yankees or the Griz or the Spurs, holding her own with anyone.

She is now driving her little black Toyota truck, chewing bubble gum, blowing bubbles and singing "Montana" to her heart's content. You will be greatly missed, Grandma, and the adventures, lessons and traditions that you provided to all of us will never be forgotten. We love you!

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland; her brother, Bill Hawke, his wife Elva and their son Bill, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Nan (Pat) Jones of Billings; grandsons Cameron (Seleena) and Logan (Jena); great-grandchildren, Sydney, Roland, Ella, Carson, Claire, Charlie, Cole and Madison Dickey and Aydin Abel. Hawke family nieces and nephews include Bob (Sandra) and their children Jennifer and Tim; R.T. (Shaun); Steve (Noel); Connie (Dave) Bull; and their children Sarah, Preston, Montana, and Colter. She is also survived by her faithful Flynn and Harper relatives. A special thank you to her loyal friends Connie, Joan and Shirley. Also, thank you to all the caregivers at Valley who made her final days comfortable.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at Grace United Methodist Church. Inurnment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens later that day.

Donations may be made to the Angel Fund, c/o Billings Senior High, 425 Grand Ave., Billings, MT 59101; Grace United Methodist Church, 1935 Avenue B, Billings, MT 59102; or the charity of one's choice.