Mary Lou Pastian Olbu

MISSOULA ~ Mary Lou Pastian Olbu was born on December 26, 1946, to Edwin and Hertha Pastian in New Leipzig, North Dakota. In 1953, her family moved to Missoula, Montana, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

She attended Hellgate High School and enjoyed a happy childhood filled with memories, family, and friendships that lasted a lifetime. One of her closest and longest friendships was with her dear friend Frances “Fran” Kenoyer, a bond that stayed strong throughout her life.

Mary was one of four siblings. She is survived by her brother, Marvin Pastian. She was preceded in death by her brother Harry Pastian and her sister Adeline Trowbridge.

She married Robert Goeckel, and together they raised three daughters: Brenda Goeckel, Pamela Koller, and Melanie Story. After their divorce, she later married Ken Olbu, and they were together until 1994.

Mary worked at St. Patrick Hospital until 1982. Around this time, she found her spiritual home at the Salvation Army Church, where she began attending services alongside her daughters. She remained deeply involved in the church for the rest of her life. Mary was enrolled as a Salvation Army soldier, a commitment she was deeply proud of. She built strong, lasting relationships within the church and was faithfully present every Sunday, no matter the weather.

Mary is survived by her three daughters and seven grandchildren: Tyler Pearce, Brandy Jorden, Brittany Dickerson, Felicia Demulling, Makayla Jorden, Alex Timblin, and Brandon Marx.

She also leaves behind fourteen great-grandchildren: Aleah Jorden, Asher Pearce, Chloe Pearce, Devon Dickerson, Hudson Demulling, Johnny Jorden, Kaden Demulling, Oakley Timblin, Oliver Jorden, Oliver Pearce, Roman Demulling, Sienna Pearce, Sophia Dickerson, and Willow Dickerson.

She was like a mother to Kim and Desai Kenoyer, who she loved deeply. Mary also adored her nieces and nephews and took pride in staying connected with them throughout her life.

In her younger years, Mary loved to garden, color, and do arts and crafts, especially crocheting baby blankets for every new baby in the family and in her church. She loved making decorations with her children, and holidays were always a special time for her.

Mary had a few quirks that made her all the more lovable, including her daily phone calls to friends and the way she always made time for the people she cared about. She had a deep love for her dogs and talked about them often, sharing their stories like a proud parent would.

As a mother and grandmother, Mary tried her best to be present in the ways she knew how. She encouraged her grandchildren, listened to their stories, and celebrated their accomplishments. She believed in them, even when they didn’t believe in themselves.

Her life was simple in many ways, but it was full of care, kindness, and quiet faith. She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and countless memories that will continue to bring comfort and warmth.