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Mary Jeanne Middleton Stringer Richardson, 94, of Billings, Montana, passed away May 4, 2019, at Gallagher’s Assisted Living.
Mary was born Sept. 24, 1924, in Karval, Colorado, to Clarence L. and Bertha E. (Smith) Middleton. She was one of 10 children.
Mary attended Karval Grade School and Karval High School. Due to World War II, she received a special certification to teach after graduation. She married A.R. “Jack” Stringer in 1946, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They were married until 1973 when Jack passed away on May 26. She married Max Richardson the next year in Byers, Colorado, and she was once again widowed on February 17, 2009, when Max passed.
Mary and Jack owned the Byers Grocery Store from 1946 to 1950, and she later worked as the postmaster in Byers from 1973 until 1989.
Mary often talked about her childhood, being a middle child among 10 children. She talked about her parents traveling from Illinois by train to Wildhorse, Colorado, and then by covered wagon from there to a homestead in Karval, Colorado.
Like Mary, her parents were strong and loving Christians. She loved her childhood, fondly remembering being called “Tink” by her basketball team. Mary’s biggest strength was that she always found a way to help others. Mary took the saying “pay it forward” very seriously. Many of her good deeds are remembered by those who know of her 70 years of membership in the Byers American Legion Auxiliary and her involvement with Mount Tabor Baptist Church. She was a wonderful friend, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandma, and great-great-grandma. She is loved and will be missed by all.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; all nine siblings; husbands Jack Stringer and Max Richardson; son James C. Stringer on June 23, 2009; a granddaughter Debbie Stringer on April 20, 2002; and a grandson, James R. Stringer on July 18, 2014.
She is survived by her daughter Debra J. Lindquist of Billings; her son Richard L. Stringer of Longmont, Colorado; four step-children: Jerry, Sherri, Sue, and Sandy; and multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Mount Tabor Baptist Church in Byers, Colorado. Memorial contributions should be sent to the American Heart Association or to the Diabetes Foundation. Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Condolences may be left at www.cfgbillings.com.
