Michele Ann McQueary, Mickie, passed peacefully from this life in the early morning of August 6, 2021, at the family ranch. She was born to Michael and Bette Lacey on July 31, 1949, joining her brother Tim Lacey. They were later blessed by their younger sister Marianne.
In Mickie’s younger years, her devoted mother moved the family back to Deer Lodge where Bette became the loving wife of Gene Burt. It was during this time that Mickie started to take a liking to a young man, Dan McQueary. Mickie and her friend Karen Beck would ride their horses to take Kool-Aid out to him in the hay field. No one else in the field got any attention, but him. June 27, 1970, was the day she made that young man her husband during a ceremony at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Deer Lodge. They were later blessed with two boys, Troy in 1973, and Jeff in 1977.
Mickie always made every house an immaculate, warm, and loving home for Dan and her boys. Whether it was making do with the apartment above the Norge, raising the boys in the little house on Missouri, or in the house at the ranch. She took pride in her yard, wherever that was, and always had lots of beautiful flowers. Meals would always be ready, even when everyone showed up at different times.
Invariably, she was the one to get things handled. Whether it was finding a place for the newlyweds to live, planning family gatherings, or handling the final wishes of loved ones. Mickie was the one to take the bull by the horns and get the task accomplished. When her Pierce Aunts (Mae, Eva, Helen and Margie) aged, she was there to handle any tasks necessary to aid in their wellbeing. Together with her sister, they also helped and cared for their mom and dad (Bette and Gene Burt) as they moved onto their golden years.
She always had a job, even if it meant working at night to make sure she was home for the boys. She retired in 2016 from 31 years of serving as the school business clerk (at both the high school and elementary levels) and was well respected for her knowledge and efficiency. With the years working at the Title and Registration Office, that gave her 34 years serving public interests.
She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years Dan, boys Troy (Rikki) and Jeff (Rikki), grandchildren Dace, Keaton, Kaylee, and Olivia, great-granddaughter Eastyn, sister Marianne (Mike) Saylor, and sister-in-law Laura (Bob) Rodriguez. Several nieces, nephews, in-laws, other extended family and close friends are also left behind.
A celebration of Mickie’s life will be held from 1-4pm on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the Elks Lodge in Deer Lodge. Mickie will be laid to rest during a private burial at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Mickie, are suggested to The Rialto Theatre or Powell County Senior Citizens.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Mickie.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Mickie and her family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday September 4, 2021
Elks Lodge
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday September 4, 2021
Elks Lodge
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
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Tom Cotton says
I am shocked and saddened about Mickies death. I felt it was an honor and privilege to have worked with her for so many years. I valued her counsel. She was one of the most dedicated and hard working employee I have ever known. Ardie and my thoughts and prayers go out to Dan and her family.
Rose Doiron says
Michele Ann and my mother were the best of friends. She was my other mother growing up. ❤️ I hold so many precious memories of her close in my heart. Thinking of you Dan and family. Sending love and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Rose Powell says
Michelle, Dan And the boys were our neighbors on Missouri Avenue. My dad, Bill Powell, thought Michelle was a great neighbor. They woulo visit with each other outside as they were taking care of their yards and keep each other informed about the neighborhood.
So sorry your loss. Rosie Powell
Diane Mavrinac says
I knew Mickey through providing house cleaning services for Gene and Betty , she was an AWSOME woman ,knew how to get things done ,she was a lot of fun to visit an talk to will miss her
Janet Olsen says
Mickey was a loving, hard working person. I enjoyed our Safeway in the isle chats. Catching up on family and life in general. She was one of Tim’s favorite people to work with. I know the heartache Dan and the boys are feeling and my thoughts and prayers with you.
Sharon Sinerius Bloor says
Mickey was a delight to know. My life was made richer for knowing her. I will always remember her smile, her laugh and the encouragement she offered.
Cam/Sarah McQueary says
Mickie was one there toughest, hardest working women we’ve ever met. She always made us all feel special, even our dogs got spoiled. Feeding us meals, loading the kids up with treats, patching Cam’s pants, sending cards to the kids, calling or emailing to visit and check in, having everyone’s favorite drink or snack around. There are no words that can describe how much we already miss her. Incredible woman. -Cam, Sarah, Kenzie, Chase
Tom says
I was sure sad to hear of Mickie’s passing. She was a vital part of the class of 67. Deep sympathies for your loss, Dan.
Tom Plattenberger
Terry says
From the Academy and high school days Mickie was one of the guys, always genuine and quick with her smile. I’m real sorry, Dan.
Rick Beck says
What a shock to see this post on Facebook. Though I have been away from Deer Lodge for a long time, I will never forget Mickie. Happy, smiling cheerleader!! I am very sad to hear the news, deepest sympathies Dan.
Maxine (Persons) Sheets says
I was shocked and saddened reading Micki had passed away. I hold many memories of her. Cheerleading our Wardens comes to my mind. Mickie was beautiful inside and out. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Michelle Holt says
Dan, I am heartbroken for you and your family. If only I had words of comfort. Although Mickie wasn’t in yours and my class, she and I hung out together a lot. How we would giggle. Several teachers reprimanded us as we giggled through the hallways. We could close our lockers. The doors’ metallic reverberation and the click of the handles reverberated to the gym and beyond. I treasure those memories even more. I am so very sorry. Carrying you in my heart and thoughts, Michelle Geary Holt
Kathy Isaacson says
Mickie was so helpful to me with teacher’s retirement issues! She was organized and kept our school district running smoothly.! She was our go-to-gal when no one else knew the answer! My sympathy to Dan and family. RIP, Mickie, you will be missed! Kathy Isaacson
Linda Hogan says
Mickie and I went to school together and she was a kind and thoughtful friend. She helped me so many times when I was the clerk of the Gold Creek Elementary School. Sam and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Dan and all of the family. She was a true treasure and she will be so missed.
Anonymous says
We sadly heard of Mickie’s passing last Saturday. We knew her both as a co worker and friend at PCHS. To put it bluntly she was a Hell of a good women. She will be missed. Rest well my friend. Bob & Louise Thomas.
Cheryl Sandquist says
Dan and family, Kirk and I send our condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed..
Craig Alger says
Such sad news. All my memories of Mickie are covered in her smile and her great attitude. Blessings on her soul and on those she loved so well.
Noreen ( Parish) Lopez says
Loved Mickie, she was always a friendly person to all. She had a quick wit and a matter of fact attitude. She will sorely be missed. My prayers are with you all. God bless.
Sylvia Gleason says
A tremendous loss of a beautiful woman. Condolences to all of the McQueary family.
Brenda Lynch says
Mickie was always a good friend to my husband Terry for many years, so I knew Mickie through him. I always appreciated her sweet laugh, dry wit, and she made me smile… My heart goes out to all of her family and loved ones..Rest in Peace Michelle
Mark Hathaway says
Mickie is one of the nicest people I know. I got to know her better while mowing her lawn the past few years. She was always so happy to see us when we showed up. Mickie always seemed to have cookies , ice cream bars, or something cold to drink. I loved her upbeat attitude and her zest for life. I can’t believe she is gone. My condolences to the family. She will truly be missed.
Dan Coughlin says
Mickie was a special long-time friend. It was shocking, and quite sad, for her to become so frail. She was such a vibrant person. She always made it a point to make friends feel important. I really miss her. And, I offer all my support to Dan and his family.
Brian McQueary says
Although I didn’t get to see Mickie that often, whenever I did she was always very kind and genuine to me. Reading through others thoughts and memories I see that Mickey was very genuine and will be missed greatly. One can only hope that others remember them in this way. My condolences to Dan and family and to the Deer Lodge community
Dorothy says
My mother, Joann Nelson, delivered Meals on Wheels with Mickie weekly; Mickie was the driver, I was the runner and Mama kept the meals organized in the back seat. Also, Mickie regularly gave my Mama a jar of honey. We always so appreciated that.