Mary Isabelle (Malia) Laird

Mary Isabelle (Malia) Laird went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 13, 2016.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 21, at St. Pius X Church. There will be a prayer vigil at the church at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 20.

Mary was born in Butte on Sept. 22, 1931, the daughter of John and Isabella Malia. She was raised in Butte and graduated from Butte High School in 1950. Mary took great pride in the fact that she was a cheerleader for Butte High and continued to be a cheerleader throughout her life for her sons, grandson and all of her nieces and nephews.

Mary was married to Ned Laird on Aug. 7, 1954, in Butte. They spent 49 glorious years together and had two sons, Ron and Dan. We were truly blessed to be raised by such loving and supportive parents. Mary and Ned enjoyed traveling the country visiting friends and relatives in their motor home. They also thoroughly enjoyed their golf trips with friends and their NCAA basketball tournament trips. After Ned's passing, she continued to share memories of several of their trips and how it enriched her life.

Mary was one who could not miss a family gathering. She will always be remembered for her great love and support of her nieces and nephews. Her insistence on watching over them and attending many of their activities earned her the nickname of "Mother Mare" by the Malia side of the family. Her generosity, kindness, sense of humor and compassion will be remembered by family and friends alike as she positively touched so many lives.

She loved to host family and friends, and opened her home to many throughout her life. From the little ones heading straight to the "Grandma Drawer" to having the cheerleaders from Butte High and Butte Central stay at the house, all were welcome. Her grandson Toby and his friends always had an open invitation, as well as too many others to mention. Mary was a "Team Mom" from the time her sons started participating in sports. She continued this role by hand making corsages and buttons for 20 years for the players and parents of Ron's Powell Panther basketball teams. She never missed any of the Panther tournaments throughout those years.

Mary's pride and joy was her grandson, Toby - that is until her great-grandson, Jacob, came along. She loved and spoiled them both and supported Toby throughout his athletic career.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ned; brothers, Jack, Dan and Donald Malia; sisters, Jean (Malia) Stodden and Lou Ann (Malia) Mengon.

Survivors include her sons, Ron and his wife, Teri, of Casper, Wyo., and Dan of Billings; grandson, Toby and his wife, Kim, of Sheridan, Wyo., and great-grandson Jacob; step great-grandchildren Emery, Ella and Judge; brother Joey and his wife, Edith, of Billings; sister Rose (Malia) Chouinard, also of Billings; and sister-in-law Norma Daly. Her many nieces and nephews also brought great joy throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate memorials may do so to the Ronald McDonald House, St. Pius X church or a charity of one's choice.