Mary Ellen Thompson

Mary Ellen Thompson passed away on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011. She was born on June 25, 1932, at her parents' farmhouse. Edward and Betty Mullowney welcomed their adorable third child with the big blue eyes and dark hair. She joined her older brother Donny and sister Betty Sue and then, a few years later, sister Carol Ann arrived. Mary Ellen spent her first 10 years living on the family farm, which her Irish grandfather homesteaded, known as Mullowney Lane. She loved those early years spent there. She attended the Kate Fratt Memorial Grade School.

The family moved to town in 1942. Mary Ellen was quite thrilled with their new home on Pine Street. It was close to school and also to her many friends. She attended Billings Senior High School, where she was an excellent student. She enjoyed her membership with the high school majorette baton corps. Friends and relations who knew her well would agree that Mary Ellen Thompson was a very cute, angelic, gentle, wonderful, loving lady.

Mary Ellen married Stan Thompson on Aug. 23, 1952, in Billings, and then moved to Missoula along with Stan, where he graduated from the University of Montana. Mary Ellen was a devoted companion to her husband and children, traveling and living in many different locations all over the United States while Stan was an officer and a pilot in the United States Air Force. She raised three children while her husband was stationed abroad in Europe and Vietnam, and was very fortunate to live in Texas, Kansas, California, Arkansas, Idaho, Florida and Georgia. She also spent many winters living in Arizona and having wonderful vacations in Mexico.

Mary Ellen had many interests, including dancing, designing clothes, golfing and entertaining many friends and relatives. She was loved at work as well, working as a secretary at the Mental Health Center in Billings.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Betty Mullowney; and is survived by her brother, Donnie Mullowney of California; and two sisters, Betty Sue (Robert) Henkel of Helena and Carol (Larry) Thomson of California. She is survived by her husband; children Mitch (Jennifer) Thompson, Greg Thompson and Diane (Mike) Sullivan; grandchildren Blake Thompson, Patrick Sullivan, Sean Sullivan, Milan Thompson; and many nieces and nephews.

Our mom was our biggest fan. Mom always wanted everyone's journey to be a happy one. Her whole purpose in life was her devotion to her family and to make sure others' needs were met before hers.

The celebration of Mary Ellen's life will be on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m., at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral, 215 N. 31st St., Billings. Michelotti-Sawyers has assisted with arrangements. Condolences may be made online at www.michelottisawyers.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Horizon Hospice House.

Interment will be determined at a later date