Mary Mattila, 83, passed away on March 10, 2025. She was born on February 1, 1942, in Spearfish, SD, to David and Ella Yanzick.
Mary dedicated her life to caring for others. She retired from the Montana Developmental Center in Boulder, MT, but her love for nurturing never faded. She became a foster grandparent for the Butte Head Start program, a role she cherished. She also helped raise her great-grandchildren, creating special memories along the way. Zane spent Fridays at Granny’s, and Saturdays were reserved for their cherished trips to the Dollar Store—just the two of them, always side by side.
In May 1961, Mary married Victor Lee Hutto, and together they had two children, Melinda Holloway and Mark Hutto. Later, she remarried and welcomed her son Kenny Corwin in 1970. In the late 1980s, Mary found her true love, Everette Mattila. She cared for him devotedly until his passing and never remarried after losing him.
Mary had a deep love for animals, always surrounded by pets of all kinds—horses, dogs, cats, and even a potbelly pig at one point. Her compassionate nature extended to everyone, always putting others before herself.
In her 70s, Mary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia. True to her spirit, she met this challenge with resilience and humor. Melinda and her husband, Steve, moved in to care for her as long as they could. When she later moved into The Crest nursing home, she embraced her new role as a “boss,” keeping everyone on their toes. Even in her final years, she remained sharp, strong-willed, and full of personality—spicy to the very end.
Mary was met in death by her parents, all her siblings, her nephew, and her grandson. She leaves behind her daughter, Melinda (Steve) Holloway; her sons, Mark (Sally) Hutto and Kenny Corwin. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Aimee (Justin) Shadow; her great-granddaughters, Meranda Beckman and Kyia (Chase Kopp) Schadler; her great-grandson, Zane Beckman; and her great-great-granddaughters, Sophia and Ellena Kopp. She will also be dearly missed by many extended nieces and nephews.
Mary’s legacy is one of love, care, and unwavering devotion to her family and those around her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Mary and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Mary.
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Thompsons says
We are so sorry for your loss. God bless you on these trying times. Our prayers our with your entire family. Kenny thank you for helping others as your mom has. You are a blessing to others at our little corner of the world in Columbus Plaza.
Ella E Edwards says
My condolences to you and your family. Mary was a beautiful soul. Will miss her!
Kelly Mattila says
Thinking of you and your family at this hard time.
Anonymous says
My prayers to your family Mary was a very special lady and will be missed
Debbie McManamon says
Rest in Peace Mary 🙏
My deepest sympathy to the family
May her memories bring you all comfort in healing . She was such a wonderful person and has been a friend throughout the years then married my dad Evert . I would see her at the nursing home and she would say I know you and we talked each time to her and she always seemed happy. RIP Mary 🩷