Marvel Simons Crum, 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Helena on Nov. 26, 2008.

Her funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Helena. A reception will be held in the church immediately following the Mass. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Viewing hours will begin at 2 p.m. with a Rosary to be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at Retz Funeral Home.

Survivors include sons, Doug (Dolly) Crum of Libby, Don (Alice) Crum of Fairmont and Dave (Darcy) Crum of Great Falls; grandchildren, Taun, Todd, Ellie and Molly; and great-grandchildren, Brian, Michael, Tyler and Tanner.

Marvel was born to Walter and Esther Simons on April 4, 1925. She grew up with eight brothers and sisters on a farm south of Bismarck, N.D. She learned the value of hard work by milking cows and tending chickens and pigs. After her junior year at Bismarck High School, Marvel moved to Seattle, where she worked for Boeing making airplanes used in World War II. She earned her GED in Seattle.

Marvel met her husband, Charles Crum, on a blind date. They married on April 22, 1944, and were together 42 years until his death in 1986. Chuck and Marvel raised their family in Billings and Glendive. Marvel managed the family home and was the perpetual substitute and money manager for her sons' paper route for 13 years, doling out a meager monthly allowance to them, while banking the rest for school. She was extremely proud all of her sons graduated from college.

She followed Chuck throughout the United States and Australia with his job. They eventually retired to Helena. After Chuck passed away, Marvel went to work. Drawing on the strong work ethic she learned as a child, she was employed for the next 16 years, finally retiring from the St. Peter's Hospital cafeteria in 2002.

Marvel enjoyed following her grandchildren's sporting activities. Although she watched approximately 100 tennis matches, she never understood the scoring, much to her sons' chagrin, but always offered her love after matches. She also loved playing cards and was an excellent cribbage player.

She was preceded in death by her husband; and infant daughter, Linda; her parents; and six brothers and sisters.

Memorials in Marvel's name are suggested to McLaughlin Research Institute, 1520 23 St. South, Great Falls, MT 59405; or to a charity of the donor's choice. To offer condolences to Marvel's family or to share a memory of Marvel, please visit www.mem.com.