On January 21st, Mary Ruth Beauchman-Fullerton (Pezuda Wiya) passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point, MT. Mary was born to Lucille Day Beachman and Ernest Beachman on February 1st, 1944. Born and raised in Wolf Point, MT, Mary graduated high school in 1961. In 1962 she married her first husband, John Binder, and in this union, her first daughter, Jackie, was born. Shortly after, Mary moved with Jackie to Los Angeles, where she went to nursing school to become an LPN. After working in California for some time, she moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where her sister Darlene and brother Luke lived. There she met and married her second husband, Charles Fullerton. Within that union, she gave birth to her second daughter, Dina.
In 1979 Mary and her daughters returned to Wolf Point, Montana, and Mary started working at Wolf Point Trinity Hospital. Around 1990, she went back to school alongside her younger brother, Dean, in Havre and Great Falls. Mary received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from MSU-Northern. After graduation, she returned to Wolf Point and worked for IHS as a Public Health Nurse. Mary also spent her nursing career working at the Fort Peck Tribal Diabetes program. She specifically enjoyed spending time with patients during diabetic breakfasts. Mary received multiple awards and acknowledgments, including Public Health Nurse of the year. Mary was a dedicated and compassionate nurse. She devoted her life to helping others, even when that meant making home visits to patients on a holiday evening. Her duties in caring for others did not stop at 5 PM or simply because it was the weekend. For Mary, the job was never finished. She gave her heart time and time again to anyone who needed it. She would help others financially, medically, or even with just a pack of chons. She expressed her love through gift-giving and cooking for others. Her Sunday dinners became a tradition for the family following a game of cards.
As it seemed Mary knew everyone across the reservation, everyone also knew her. In addition to her career as a nurse, she was well known for her fashion, sense of humor, and her long visits full of advice. Mary was humble, a great friend, and treated everyone with respect and compassion. She offered her opinion, knowledge, and a listening ear when needed. A few of Mary’s hobbies included reading, playing machines/bingo at Silverwolf Casino, attending garage sales, auctions, and shopping. Her family could not pass by garage sales signs without her noticing. Once Mary learned how to use her debit card to shop online, she loved ordering from Macy’s and QVC.
Mary’s most favorite pass-time of them all was spending time with her family, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was very proud and supportive of them in all their accomplishments. One of her joys in life was watching her granddaughter, Maria, graduate nursing school with the honors of pinning her.
Mary is joined in Heaven by her parents Lucille and Ernest, Sisters; Darlene, Joyce, Roberta, and Gertrude; Brothers Edwin (Luke), Raymond (Dean), and Patrick; grandson, Austin; nephew, Mitchell Clark, and numerous other relatives.
Mary is survived by daughters Dina, Jackie (Tony), Tanya Wasser (Steve), Kelly Driftwood (Asa); Sister Vivian Herschel (JoJo) of Fort Belknap; Grandchildren Maria (Eli), Ryan, Jordan (Sam), Lee’Al, Ty’Ray, Jesse, and Ky’Lee; her card partner Richard Buckles; great grandson, Grayson, of Wolf Point; and Olivia of Bozeman. Also survived by the McGeshick, Bushman, and Day families, Angie (Raul Figueroa), PK and Steve Bushman, Agnes Moran, Edna Brien, Ronnie Adams, Patrice Iron bear, Karen Dubois; hairdressers Laura Dennis and Deb Loendorf; coworkers at Fort Peck Tribes, Indian Health Service, Silverwolf family; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to the family with condolences, food, and prayers. She thought so much about so many people; please forgive us if we left anyone out as it was not intentional. We would like to thank the staff at Trinity Hospital, provider Scott Pocha, EMS, nurse Mecaila Paulson, officer Eugene stump, and Michelle Aguilar.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 11, 2022
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 11, 2022
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
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Florence Garcia says
Auntie Mary was an extraordinary nurse who loved her job. She also loved her family and did everything for them. She is the last of Grandma and Grandpa’s children to journey on to heaven and I know she is happy with all of them and Austin too. I spent lots of time with her when I was young and she taught me how to play some songs on the piano. We had a wonderful week together in October visiting, eating and shopping and I love and will miss her. Prayers for Jackie, Dina, her grandkids and all who share in her beautiful memory.
PK Bushman says
To the family. Prayers for the family Mary will be missed! Words just seem so inadequate to express what I want to say! 🙏🏽 Steve n PK
tina magnan says
To Mary’s family. She will greatly be missed. She was such a sweet, caring lady…..
Prayers and hugs to all her family and friends.
Lucy Redekopp says
My condolences to you all.
Karen Duboise says
To Mary family condolence to all of you. Your mother, grandmother cared for her family. I am thankful to have known Mary as a friend and co worker.
Fred McGeshick, jr. says
Condolences to Jackie, Deanna and extended family! My aunt Mary was a heart warming lady and we were taught to respect our elders. I never argued with my respected elders. When you talked to her, she always put up her hand and said; no, no or she agreed with you! The last time we met was September 2020 we talked about the Bible and Jesus! Rest in peace and prayers for her family.
Jessica Mason Cantrell says
My prayers are with Mary’s family; friends; and co-workers. She was an example for all and I enjoyed all the times I got to visit with her. Her light will continue to shine here on earth. She is resting in heaven until we meet again.
God be with you all at this time of sorrow for those she left on earth
Jessica
Melissa Reum & family says
Condolences to the family. She was a such a sweet lady. She will truly be missed.
Susan (Watterson) Johnson says
Jackie and family…may your sweet memories and your faith sustain you now and in the time ahead. I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.
Rhonda Mason says
Prayers of comfort for Mary’s family. May she Rest In Peace in our Creators loving arms.
Winnifred schafer says
My condolences to the family
Debra Loendorf says
Mary was a good friend, client, and confidant. She is missed by all who’s lives she has touched, and is loved by many. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Jonny BearCub says
Prayers of comfort to Mary’s family. Know she will be missed by many. We had such fun times visiting at the Diabetic breakfasts. She encouraged us in such positive ways and was always caring. She almost left once but the Lord let her come home and take care of things then took her home. The reunion in Heaven is joyful and amazing for her.
DEBRA says
Prayers for Mary’s family. Mary was a nice and caring woman, she always dressed so nice at work and had such nice clothes. I always admired that. Mary was always a good friend . She will be missed a lot by the people who worked with her. R.I.P. Mary
Alice CHRISTENSEN says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary’s family and friends. Her memories will live on to all that knew her. She is gone but never forgotten.
KRM says
For all the family of Mary Ruth, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved mother, grandmother, auntie.
I will always remember when she would see me she would say “Karen Rose” in her little petite voice. She was such a loving and wonderful person, may God take her unto himself. God bless you all and give you comfort.
Rob, Carrie Manning says
Sending our condolences. Grandma Mary was dear to our family.
Keeping you all in our prayers.
Love the Manning’s
Silverwolf casino says
Mary was the sweetest lady every time she came for bingo. Always wanted her lucky middle n bottom bingo packets. Going to miss seeing her out there. Condolences to her family and friends. From her whole Silverwolf casino fam we send our love.
Carla Payne says
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Mary’s family. I enjoyed our visits together and working at the diabetes program. She was so kind and caring to everyone. She will be missed, Love and prayers.
Julie Bemer says
My prayers are with the family. I enjoyed working with Mary. She was a great nurse and great person—a bright spot wherever she went.
Iva Zimmerman says
Prayers to the family!
Jerry Foster says
A loved angel we will surely miss.
Monica LaRoque says
Prayers for Mary’s family. She was a kind and compassionate person. I always loved talking to her. She will be missed by many.
Kim Matthews says
Mary will be truly missed by so many . My thoughts and prayers to all her loved ones .
Rose Morsette says
Condolences to sweet Mary’s family,prayers for for strength at this time of great loss.
Jerreth Shawl-Rider says
Thoughts and prayers to Mary’s family.
She was a awesome sweet ol’ lady to have a conversation with.
I will always remember when I run into her, she would always say not to go to bingo
because I will steal her wins, will miss the jokes and laughs we had.
Rest sweetly Mary, we shall see you on the other side. <3
Marian Montclair says
Gee wiz jackie and “diner”, wat r we suppose to do with ourselves now, when the fairest of ’em all left us? i cried and cried, tears of sadness, tears of joy from the crazy memories we had together, your mother was like our big sister (even if she was so tiny in size) and you girls were the apple of her eye, i am so sorry, did not even know she was sick? last time we talked she was on her way to williston, Christmas shopping she said, she was at the saturday flea market in poplar. we were suppose to look for david, she said when it warmed up we will go find him, echun….If you need any help with anything ladies, i am here okay? my phone no. is in the phone book, let me know, will look for some pix’s of her, us,whatever i can find. may the Lord keep you all in His good graces and send the holy spirit to comfort us all, as we mourn the loss of Mary, in the name of Jesus, we ask. Amen
Roxann Smith says
Jackie and family
Your mother was one of the sweetest ladies. She will truly be missed. She always had a smile on her face. I remember when you all came out to the buffalo ranch. What a beautiful time and location for your family to gather. We will most certainly see her smiling face again.
Mike Crow says
I remember peaking into her office at times and just having a quick chat in the mornings during my rounds when I worked IHS. Always had a pleasant attitude with good and positive things to say. Was always a hard working, caring and busy little lady. God bless you Mary.
Ray Bets His Medicine says
I was so sad when I heard of Mary’s passing. I’m so glad I got to see and visit with her a little bit before. You’re in my prayers Mary. Prayers said for your family.
Ann Baker says
Such a great loss to the community. My sincere condolences to Mary’s family and friends.
Curtis Courchene says
She was the one I would ask for when I needed a question answered , knowledgeable and prompt and always good for chuckle to tease 💎 Cadillac
Gerald Jackson says
RIP Auntie sure going to miss you . Condolences to my Cuz’ s Jackle and Dina love you guys .Now she is with all our Auntie and uncles.
Rita Weeks says
Beautiful tributes to Mary Ruth. A very special person who was loved and admired by many. Special prayers said for Jackie and Dina and all of her family. God bless you and keep you all!
Tim Redwood (Bushman) says
Jackie, Dina, & Extended Family,
So saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. I am sorry that I cannot be there to attend the memorial service.
Mary was a big sister to me and I cherish the wonderful memories I have of her. I always appreciated her honesty and the heart to heart talks we had about family and life.
It is easy to see that she will be sorely missed by family and the Fort Peck Reservation community.
Thank you Mary for being a big sister to me in my youth.
Sincerely,
Tim Redwood (Bushman)
Crystal Dawn DeCoteau says
Was heartbroken when I heard about Mary, always kind and generous. I will miss seeing her and visiting with her. God bless her family and friends.