MARY DAVIS

Whitehall Community Icon, Mary Davis passed away Monday, March 23, 2020, just three weeks short of her 101st birthday.

Born April 12, 1919, in Butte, Montana, to Irish immigrants Alexander and Bridget Kissock, Mary Agnes was the second of seven Kissock children born in the United States. She graduated Butte High School in 1937, followed by graduation from Butte Business College. In 1940, Mary wed Herschel Davis and gave up her urban lifestyle to become a rancher's wife. Together they raised two sons, Shawn and Joe, and two daughters, Nannette and Gail. They were married 59 years until Herschel's passing in 1998.

Known for her tireless work ethic, impeccable hair, and notorious Irish temper, Mary helped Herschel raise cattle and sheep on their ranches in both Whitehall and the Big Hole Valley. She was a talented cook and gardener. Mary spent decades impressing visitors, ranch hands, and hay crews with her large, elaborate meals and desserts. Her fudge, sponge cake, and shrimp salad became famous at social gatherings all over southwest Montana.

Mary's day always began at 4 a.m. following a short night's sleep on the couch. She tended a huge vegetable/flower garden and trimmed endless hedges by hand. She mowed acres of lawn with a push mower and bare feet well into her late 80's.

Mary loved to travel both domestically and abroad. A fearless motorist who maintained speeds that would shame NASCAR, she traveled rapidly all over Montana in any weather condition. Mary also toured extensively in Europe, cherishing her time spent in Ireland. She made annual Las Vegas appearances during the National Finals Rodeo, where she was featured dancing on the big screen under her stage name "Grandma Mary-The White Tornado".

Immensely proud of her family, Mary would tell any listener of her children, grandchildren, and great grand children's accomplishments. She is survived by her four children, fourteen grandchildren, and twenty-seven great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed, but it is certain she will be taking the next life by storm.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday March 25th, 2020 at 10:30 AM in Whitehall for family members only. In Lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Mary's designated charities PULSE Jefferson Valley EMS and Rescue Ambulance PO Box 511, Whitehall, MT 59759 or the Jefferson Valley Museum PO Box 902, Whitehall, MT 59759.