Mary Jean Mahugh

On August 12, Mom gathered up her cookie sheets, her favorite spatula and headed to heaven's kitchen to bake for her family and friends who arrived there before she did. She was 92 years young.

Mary Jean (Combs) Mahugh was born in Glasgow, Montana on June 4,1931 to Clifford and Cora Combs. She graduated from Glasgow High School and was a proud Scotty her entire life. On August 20, 1949 she married Glen Mahugh. They had three children - Diana, David and Doris.

Mary was devoted to her career at Combs Drug - her customer service skills were top of the line and served her well throughout her lifetime. This is also where she honed her talents for designing and decorating for the holidays and special occasions. She never missed a chance to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with the Second Avenue families and the friends at the Pines. Mom was also a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, as well as the always willing volunteer for 4-H and Boy Scouts. She was an active member of First Lutheran Church. Her happiest times came when she was caring for others, especially if it involved baking. Her homes were never without fresh cookies, pies for Dad, or other desserts. She loved receiving phone calls from her grandchildren, and following her great grandchildren in their athletic activities. She attended the state track meets and basketball tournaments until she was 91 and proudly watched one of her great grandsons earn multiple state honors.

Mom and Dad moved to Westpark Village in Billings. Here Mom found a wonderful new neighborhood of caring friends. She baked cookies for them until effects of a stroke took that talent from her. Her heart then turned to her flower garden. She was a plant whisperer who could (and would) turn puny little plants into glorious blossoming masterpieces. She could tell you the history of each of her "plant children." Her patio was truly gorgeous all summer long and a source of pride and inspiration.

Our family is grateful for the expert care Mom received at Westpark Village, and for all the caring friends who would stop by to see her. If her door was open she expected everyone to stop in and stay for a quick visit. Her six years at Westpark were one of the highlights of her life.

Mom will be remembered as a true friend, a doting grandmother and a feisty soul who enjoyed making an occasional ruckus with staff and management. She made us all cookies, wiped our tears, shared our joys and loved us no matter what. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Glen, brother Al, and grandson Andy. She is survived by her daughters Diana Morris (Skip) and Doris Gillespie (Greg), and son David (Lana), seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held in Billings on September 30, with burial in Glasgow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Glasgow High School Educational Trust - Mary Mahugh Healthcare Scholarship, PO Box 751, Glasgow, MT 59230, or the charity of your choice.