Rosemary Ann Van Steeland

Our beautiful mother and Gran, Rosemary Ann Van Steeland, passed away peacefully on Feb. 7, 2023, at WyndStone Novak Cottage with family by her side. She was 93 years old.

Rosemary was born in Billings on July 26, 1929, to John and Mary (Baumgartner) Yurian. She attended elementary school at Central School in the Lockwood Flats area of Billings, studied at Lincoln Junior High and graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1946. She went on to a career in office work, later attending Eastern Montana College to study accounting, which became her focus.

On Sept. 4, 1948, Rosemary married Frederick Van Steeland. They had three children: Fred Jr., Daryl and Deborah. They resided on a farm east of Billings.

Fred and Rosemary enjoyed dancing and participated in Arthur Murray dance studio for 14 years. When she wasn’t dancing herself, Rosemary also enjoyed watching Dancing with the Stars. She liked to read People magazine and the daily newspaper, and enjoyed puzzles like the Daily Jumble and various word searches. She was the family historian and spent many hours on genealogy projects. She was a wonderful hostess. During the holidays, her family fondly remembers that she cooked fabulously, and was especially famous for her fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and pumpkin pie. She always very much wanted to be sure everyone was fed.

Rosemary is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred; and son Daryl. She is survived by her son, Fred (Susan) of Billings and daughter Deborah (Dave) Ward of Spokane, Washington; grandchildren Callie (Jason) Banfield, Jeff (Heather) Handlin, Amy (Gene) Johnson, Scott (Breann) Handlin; Janelle Van Steeland, Brian (Lisa) Van Steeland and Melanie (Josh) Robbins; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, John R. Yurian, Jr.

Visitation will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at St. Bernard Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Mountview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Foundation or charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at WyndStone and St. John’s Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.