Mary Lou (Short) Laible passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at her apartment in Big Sky Senior Living in Butte, Montana.
Mary was born to Russell and Cora Vann Short on June 29, 1933, in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma.
She moved to Helena, Montana, in 1952. She went to work at Eddy’s Bakery and met and later married Erhart (Gust) Laible on December 20, 1952. They had a daughter Sheree in 1956 and a son Mark in 1958.
Mary worked for Mountain Bell, the County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, as a secretary for Judge Bill Keopp. She also worked at First Security Bank and Hennesy’s Department Store.
She loved working in her yard, her cat Tigger, doing word search puzzles, and interior decorating.
She was preceded in death by her husband Erhart in 1999. And her son Mark in January 2018. Three sisters and five brothers. Velma Morton of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, Ruby Helmbrecht and Willa Helmbrecht of Helena, Montana. Melvin Short of Helena, Kenneth “Pete” Short of California, RP Short of New Mexico, Lee Short and Jimmy Short of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma.
Mary is survived by her brother-in-law, Myron (Sarah) Laible of Herdon, Virginia, her daughter Sheree (Ron) Sharp of Butte. And daughter-in-law, Tammy (TK) Laible. Three grandchildren, Jason (Krestin) Sharp in Butte, Melissa (Dan) Andreson and Samantha Jo Laible of Helena. Great-grandchildren, Garrett and Lauren Sharp of Butte, Jordan and Hunter Andreson and Callie Joe Jinsa of Helena.
She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, November 19, 2021, at 1st Lutheran Church, 2231 E. Broadway St., Helena, Montana, 59601. A reception will follow the service at the church. A graveside service will follow the reception at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7100 N. Montana Ave., Helena, Montana, 59602. Join us.
Memorials in honor of Mary are suggested to your local food bank or a charity of the donor’s choice.
The family would like to express their thanks to Big Sky Senior Living and Axelson Funeral Home.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Mary. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Mary and her family.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 19, 2021
1st Lutheran Church
2231 E. Broadway St.
Helena, Montana 5960
Reception
Following the memorial service
Friday November 19, 2021
1st Lutheran Church
2231 E. Broadway St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the reception
Friday November 19, 2021
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 19, 2021
1st Lutheran Church
2231 E. Broadway St.
Helena, Montana 5960
Reception
Following the memorial service
Friday November 19, 2021
1st Lutheran Church
2231 E. Broadway St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the reception
Friday November 19, 2021
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Wayne Lang says
During our many trips to Helena it was always fun to visit Erhart, Mary, Sheree, and Mark.
We have wonderful memories of Mary Lou, she was so friendly, warm, and funny.
The only time I remember seeing her upset was during one of their trips to visit our family in Mandan, ND. One night we had a horrible storm and a huge tree across the street was uprooted by a localized tornado. She was petrified! That seemed strange, from someone who grew up in Oklahoma.
Myra Lang says
Myra Lang says….
I remember Mary Lou’s fear of storms as well, but yet as I rode out my first real earthquake in Helena she was a calm as could be, chuckling a bit at my prairie terror.
I will always remember Mary Lou’s wonderful laugh, it came from her soul. So many memories of our trips to Helena when I was younger and Mary Lou always a part of those memories.
My love and sympathy to Sheree. You always took such good care of your mom.
Karen Koepp Rowan says
I have such fond memories of Mary Lou and the entire Laible family. My parents, Bill and Dorothy Koepp, were great friends with Mary Lou and Erhart. They loved playing cards while us kids played (jumped on beds!). When my dad was in the hospital and unconscious, I remember Mary Lou coming to visit him in ICU and she talked to him and gave him the “what for” / joking with him and you could see his heart rate go up a bit. I know he heard her. I’m glad they worked together. Later my mom and Mary Lou spent time together. I’m sure they are all playing a game of pinnacle together.!
Marcia Hannay says
Marcia Koepp Hannay
I will always remember Mary Lou and Erhart with fond memories and the time my parents Bill and Dorothy Koepp spent with them over the years. I know in the years before my mom’s death Dorothy still spent alot of time with Mary Lou visiting her and helping her out with things. They will all be together now to laugh and joke and carry on with the good times together. My sympathy to the entire family during this difficult time.