Mary Alice Beaman Barsness, caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, went to be with the Lord on February 15, 2022, at the age of 85.
Mom was born in Belcourt, North Dakota to Jack and Emma Laverdure Beaman. Mary joined her oldest sister Jacquelyn at home and soon to join them were her sister Shirley and brother Earl. Mary attended grade school at Dooley, Belcourt and Plentywood and graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1955.
Mom married Kenneth Edward Barsness on April 25, 1965, and to this union they had Michelle Lynn. Michelle was greeted at home by her brothers, Mitchell Barsness and Tyrone Ricker, and her sister, Peggy Lee Barsness. Mary and Kenneth operated the Hope Ranch in Poplar for a few years where they took care of many children. Mom and Dad loved the kids as their own and was an influential part to many of the children lives. Mom and Dad later divorced
Mom worked many jobs, her most memorable ones was a switchboard operator at Columbia Falls, Aberdeen, and Wolf Point. Mom retired after many years of service to NEMHS working in Environmental Services at the age of 60. Shortly after retiring, mom packed up her belongings to stay with her sister, Shirley, on St. Paul Island in the Bering Strait. Mom returned to Wolf Point after being gone a few years to be closer to her children and grandchildren.
Mom was a devoted Christian who faithfully read her Bible every day. She was a member of the Morning Star Baptist Church. One of mom’s cherished memories besides the birth of her grandchildren/great grandchildren was being able to visit Israel with her sister Shirley and being baptized in the Jordan River. Mom enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was an avid reader and had quite the collection of Louis L’Amour books. She enjoyed word search puzzles, listening to Gospel music, putting jig saw puzzles together, watching her favorite programs and she would never turn down a game of cards. Mom was forever playing games with her grandchildren or entertaining them some way. On a beautiful, sunny day, you would find mom sitting out on the front porch enjoying the rays of sunshine. Mom you are going to be greatly missed, you were a vital part of numerous lives and was so loved by many.
Mom is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Jacquelyn Anderson, her brother Earl Beaman, stepson Mitchell Barsness son-in-law James Joes and her grandson Jayden Joe along with many other friends and relatives. Mom was surely greeted at the gates of Heaven by her loved ones that passed on.
Mom is survived by her daughter, Michelle Lynn, of Wolf Point, her son Tyrone (Deborah) Ricker, of Poplar, and her stepdaughter, Peggy Lee Miller, of Enumclaw, Washington whom she raised as her own, “adopted” daughter Ashley Camenzind of Malta; her sister Shirley Meyer of Yuma, Arizona; sister-in-law Charlis Beaman of PeEll, Washington and brother-in-law Archie Anderson of Wolf Point. Mom leaves behind six grandchildren: TJ, Tylnn, Kendra, Justin, Cameron, and Brandon and two great grandchildren: Skyler and Jayvian along with a niece and six nephews and those that called her Grandma.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 10 am on February 25, 2022, at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. Cremation has taken place. Mom’s ashes will be buried with her Grandson in Wolf Point and with her parents in Columbia Falls upon her wishes at a later time.
Therefore, you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday February 25, 2022
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday February 25, 2022
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
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Frances Hayes says
I will always remember my mom “Jo” and Mary working up at the hospital together. I am sure that they are feeding everyone and ensuring it is clean and organized on the paths they are walking right now. I am so very happy I got to know her and by extension her daughter Michelle. God bless you right now. There are no words or even deeds that will help you through the pain you now suffer. I am so very sorry. And while time does not really heal ALL wounds, it does dull them so they are tolerable. I am glad that Jayvian got to spend time in the comfort of her arms. I am here for anything.
PK Bushman says
Michelle my heart is torn for you. Mary is in the arms of Jesus and you will be together again. Your in my prayers
Deborah L Balch Ricker says
MaMa Mary I’m so Thankful that You raised Your Son Tyrone…My Husband to be a dependable, honest, Caring Family Man …and I’m Thankful that You are My Mother-in-Law for the past 19 years!…Thank You for the Encouragement, Wisdom and Unconditional Love…You Helped Us in So Many Ways and You will Always be Grandma Fun Fun!! My Creator Blessed Me with the Best MaMa Joy and Mother-in-Law MaMa Mary and I Will Miss You So Very Much…and My Creator took You both on the same day …3 Years apart…We are connected in so many ways and have Our Special Bond That will remain till the end of time!!…Heaven Has Another Angel with Wings of Steel …I LOVE YOU MaMa Mary..till I Hug You Again ..Rest In Perfect Paradise and Continue Watching Over Us and Guiding US….Love You More…Deborah Lanell Balch Ricker
Terry barron says
My deepest condolences Michelle, she was a very sweet lady 💐
Vernie Madison says
Mary, loved her much, so sorry for your loss Michelle. We must go on without them for awhile. Keep your heart open, God’s Peace 🙏🙏❤️
Mary Nyhus says
Michelle, so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful woman. Love, hugs and prayers.
Karen Sorley says
Michelle and family, my heart breaks for you. Having just gone through losing my mom I know the terrible pain you are going through, and I pray our loving God eases that pain for you. I am so appreciative of having the honor of getting to know your mom through her hair appointments over the years. I will cherish all of our visits, and let me tell you that every subject that you can imagine was discussed! Lots and lots of laughs we had, I will miss that sweet smile and her beautiful laughter. You were blessed with the very best, and she made it very evident that her family meant the world to her. Hugs and prayers to all of you!
Rev. Steven V. Smith says
Steady, stable and solid walk with Jesus person. I remember a co-worker JD that dated your grand daughter who wasn’t a believer had nothing but good things to say about your kindness. That’s the kind of testimony and impact you had. The Fathers blessings upon Michelle, Justin, Javian , Shirley Meyer and the rest of the family.
Felicia S says
Michelle, I’m sorry for your loss and all I think of is how Jayden is running to her with open arms. She is a very nice sweet lady and I’m thankful she was a grandmother to my son as well. She has done a lot for everyone and she in place where we all are striving to be as well. Just keep praying like always and smile for she is with her Heavenly Father. Love u Michelle, Justin and Javain.
Shari says
My sincere condolences to you all
Jean Archdale says
Your mom was one of the kindest people I have ever known. I never heard an unkind word about anyone come from her. My mom loved your mom so much and I know that my mom was waiting for Mary and oh what a joyous time that was. It’s just so hard to say goodbye to our moms but oh my she is with Jayden right now and they are watching over all of you. You are all in my prayers in the weeks to come.
Noreen Hohman says
Oh Michelle, I will always smile when I think of your Mom, she was an awesome lady. I am sure she’s up there in Heaven catching up on all the news, with Jackie, Earl, Jayden, my folks, Uncle Morris, Great Uncle George and her Folks. You, Tyrone, Shirley and the rest of the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill and Irene Rathert says
MIchelle and Family, We are so sorry you lost your Mom Thinking of you with thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Lee Barsness-Miller says
Mom Mary was, and still is, a beautiful spirit! She lived her life with the love of God and Jesus in her heart. That is why she positively affected anyone that was in her presence. She helped our father, Kenneth Barsness, raise our brother, Mitchell Keith Barsness, and myself. When I came home from college at the age of 20, I had a baby sister, Michelle Lynn Barsness. 10 yrs. later, Ashley Miriam Wimmer-Barsness came into our lives. The 3 sisters from different mothers, but the same father, became close and still are! I know that it can be mostly contributed to Mom Mary and our father, Kenneth Barsness. Mom Maru was and always will be in our corners! I love her so much and will never forget her. When we lose someone we love, we must not learn to live without them but to live with the love they left behind!!!