Marie Louise Kjelgaard Long Vaughan, 92, of Glasgow, Montana, passed away on July 22, 2015 at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital. With family by her side, Marie spent her final days recalling several stories throughout her life. Marie was the fourth child born to John and Esther (Pederson) Kjelgaard on March 20, 1923. Marie spent her childhood and early adult life in the Highland community of McCone County.
On January 10, 1943 Marie was married to Harvey P. Long. In this marriage, eight children were born. With sights on obtaining land with access to irrigation and greater opportunities, the family moved to Charlo, MT in 1962. Marie and Harvey adapted to life in the mountains and together worked tirelessly to establish and maintain the family ranch and dairy farm. In October 1964, Harvey passed away. With the support of her children, family and friends Marie persevered in keeping the family ranch running during difficult times.
Marie then met Gerald Vaughan and they married on November 21, 1981. This marriage expanded Marie’s family further by two sons and their families. Upon Gerald’s passing on April 16, 1996 Marie moved close to her son, Irvin until suffering a stroke in 2005. Marie then made her way back to Eastern Montana where she lived at Prairie Ridge Village and later Valley View in 2012 until presently. Her move back to Eastern MT made it possible to reconnect with old friends from around the Highland Community along with sparking new friendships.
Marie enjoyed quilting, gardening, playing cards and cooking as well as visiting family and friends which she always had goodies and coffee waiting. In her younger years she enjoyed dancing and horseback riding. Marie will be missed for her quick recall of family event and historical dates. Even at the spry age of 92, Marie kept close tabs on all her children down to her great ““great grandchild. It is safe to say she was very proud of her family!
A special thank you goes out to all of Marie’s caregivers over the years. In addition, to FMDH staff for the wonderful care provided during her final days.
Marie is survived by her children: Carol (Dwight) Sibley, Gary Long, Irvin (Mary Jane) Long, Susan (Don Vaughan) Long, Ruth Moran, Gordon(Julie) Long, Leisha (Gary) Edwards, Pete(Nancy) Vaughan , Lonnie Vaughan and one sister, Ruth Miller, two sister-in-laws Betty Johnson and Thelma Frost , one brother-in-law Chancy Long. As well as 13 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter.
Preceding Marie in death include husbands Harvey P. Long and Gerald Vaughan, infant daughter Patricia Long and son Larry Vaughan, sisters Margaret and Ellen and her brothers Orville, Harold and Arnold.
Family memorial services will be held on August 1, 2015 in Charlo, MT with a celebration of life to follow at the Charlo Senior Center at 1p.m. Burial will take place in Ronan, Montana in Mountain View Cemetery. Additionally, a memorial service in Glasgow, MT will be held at the Bell Mortuary on September 10th at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 PM
Thursday September 10, 2015
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, MT 59230
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 PM
Thursday September 10, 2015
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, MT 59230
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