Anna Mae (Jerrel) Whitmus, 81 years old, passed away in the early morning hours of April 2nd at the McCone County Health Center after a long battle with cancer. She is now with her guardian angels. She was born at the old hospital in Miles City on September 2oth, 1942, to Willis and Dorothy (Martelle) Jerrel. She was a wife, a mother, grandmother, and a long-time schoolteacher. She was the oldest of 5 children, Wilma, Bill, Bob, and Betty. Her childhood home was on a farm in Kinsey, MT, later moving into Miles City where her father worked as a well driller. She also spent part of one summer living in a sheep wagon north of Terry around Cherry Creek as her father worked building fence.
She began her education at the Kinsey Country School, after a 2-mile walk or 3-mile bus ride. When she missed the bus, she had to walk arriving at recess. So, she went to Miles City to finish 1st grade, living with her grandparents. When she was in 2nd grade, the family moved into town. She graduated 8th grade from Washington School, and high school from Custer County High School. During her high school years, she worked at the hospital and The Olive Hotel. She started college in Nampa, Idaho at Northwest Nazarene College, which began her educational journey through every college in MT. Wherever she lived and worked, she began teaching in country schools on emergency certificates. Her first school year was south of Miles City for 1 year, then north of Lewistown for 2 years, 2 years at Nickwall School in McCone County, and 2 years at the Cow Creek school in McCone County. That school building is at the McCone County Museum in Circle. Before she graduated from college, she fell in love and married Don Whitmus on May 25th, 1968, in Miles City. They made their home west of Wolf Point where Don rented the Terry Ranch/Farm for 3 years before they moved to Frazer, MT.
Their three sons, John, Jeff, and Justin were born while living in Frazer. Being a parent was more enticing than teaching. As times changed, after 3 children, she was hired at Frazer School to finish out the school year for a teacher who had quit. She taught a couple more years after that before going back to school to graduate from Eastern MT College. Then in 1980, they moved to Nickwall turn off in McCone County. After graduating, she taught at Southview School on Hwy 201 in McCone County for 2 years. In the following years, Anna Mae and Don welcomed their surprise daughter, Jerrelynn.
From Southview School, she went back to Frazer where she taught almost every grade level up to 6th and retired after 23 or more years. Upon retiring in 2008, she was asked to give the graduation address by one of her favorite classes, and her last class she taught made AYP(Annual Yearly Progress) that year for the first time ever, which was the highlight of her teaching career.
After retiring, she enjoyed traveling with Don all across the country visiting family, friends, and seeing the sights, and in 2010, they became official Snowbirds and moved to Tucson in the winters, making many long-lasting friendships.
Anna Mae was extremely talented with her passions for painting, crafting, quilting, antiquing, and cake decorating. She was especially proud and supportive of her 4 children and 7 grandchildren, Trinity, James, Quinn, Hunter, Tiara, Jordyn, and Walker, and their wrestling football, 4-H, and many other activities. Traveling many miles over a span of 40 some years to sit all day in a loud gymnasium to watch each of them wrestle for a few minutes. She also loved going to the Wild Horse Stampeded, seeing a lot of her old students and the parade every year.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Dorothy; daughter, Julie Ann; grandson, Quinn; brother-in-law, Chuck Randall; and nephews, Michael Watts, Chuckie Randall, and John Celander.
She is survived by her husband, Don; sons, John (Lisa) Hunter and Walker of Fairview, Jeff (Donna) Trinity and Tiara of Wolf Point, Justin (Stephanie) James and Jordyn of Shepherd; daughter, Jerrelynn (Josh) Mansfield of Wolf Point; sister, Wilma (Vern) Watts; brother, Bill (Ginger) Jerrel; brother, Bob Jerrel; sister, Betty Randall; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorials can be made to McCone County Health Center, or to one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday April 12, 2024
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 13, 2024
First Lutheran Church
415 Johnson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday April 12, 2024
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 13, 2024
First Lutheran Church
415 Johnson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
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KENDRA Z WHITMUS says
Anna Mae was a loving grandmother. She and Don chased those grandbabies all over the state for all of their sporting events. Hunter and Walker will always have fond memories of having their grandparents at special events. We are truly blessed for having Anna Mae as a maternal presence in our lives.
Linda Boysun says
When the Lord calls our loved ones home, He leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Memories of her love to treasure and carry with you always. Take good care of yourself.
Warren & Bev Evans says
We are so sorry for your loss Don. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Mary Dillon says
I’m so saddened to hear this. She was the sweetest lady ,
Don both of you were such good friends to Dean snd I. I’m not sure I can make it to the service but know your family is in my thoughts and prayers! It is comforting to know that We will see our loved ones again. Praying for all of you.
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Denise (Strand) Stambaugh says
Don and family, I will always remember Anna Mae as an awesome teacher and friend. May you find support from others as we share your loss. Heaven definitely gained an angel. Prayers, hugs and lots of love!!!❤️ ❤️❤️
Carol Gilham says
Anna Mae was such a good friend to me when I taught at Frazer Schools with her. God bless her, she will be missed. Condolences to her family who meant the world to her.
Sonny Douglas says
She will be missed, I was blessed to be a student of her and she was the one teacher that was loved by all her students.Don I’m so sorry for your loss. Sonny Douglas
Barbara Wood says
Don and family: So sorry for the loss of such a great wife, mother, grandmother and friend to so many. You all have such great memories of a lady who lived life to the fullest. As you share, talk and remember, may you truly find that with those memories she is still living in your hearts. God Bless.
Denise Johnson Craigen says
I have such fond memories of summer visits to her home when I was a kid. I’m so glad that we managed to connect in the years since she retired and then even more since I retired. She was a special lady and will be missed. Love to all her family.
Robin HayesHernandez says
I’m sorry for the families loss of Anna Mar. I enjoyed working with her in Frazer. I loved teaching Quinn. My thoughts are with you.
Buck-Beston family says
So sorry to hear of Anna Mae’s passing. My sincerest condolences to her husband and children. I remember Anna Mae worked with my mom the late Florence Buck at the Frazer School, and Anna Mae was my son Ryan Beston and daughter Vangie Bestons teacher. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you all.
Patty Berge says
Thinking of your family as you celebrate the life of Anna Mae. We connected on so many levels throughout the years. I always enjoyed our annual chats during The Wild Horse Stampede.
Anna Mae’s genuine kindness always stood out. Years ago, we were blessed to be the recipients of delicious, beautifully decorated birthday cakes.
Anna Mae will certainly be missed on Earth while treasured in Heaven.