Mary Ann Baker Kenneally moved gently into her next life on January 16, 2026, as gracefully as she lived her life on earth. We were profoundly blessed to share most of her 97 years of life, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know her, love her, and to be loved by her.

Mary Ann was born on December 23, 1928, in her parents' home in Denver, Colorado, to Alex and Mary Baker. On that very day, she was carried in her father's arms as family and friends walked a mile and a half to Annunciation Church for her baptism—a fitting beginning to a life rooted in trust, faith, and God's abiding grace.

The eldest of four children and the only girl, Mary Ann learned early the virtues that would define her life. Twice during her childhood, during the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression era, the family worked sharecrop farms in rural Colorado, where she helped care for her younger brothers, herd milk cows, tend chickens, and shoulder responsibilities beyond her years while her parents worked the fields by hand. From those years she gained a formidable work ethic, perseverance in the face of adversity, and a keen sense of humor that never left her.

She made her First Communion and Confirmation in second grade at St. Augustine Church in Brighton, Colorado. After a devastating flood in 1935, the family moved back into the city, settling next door to Annunciation Church. There, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth played a formative role in her education and life. Mary Ann missed only one day of school during her entire grade-school career—and even then, her teacher came to the house with her lessons. She was diligent, disciplined, and deeply engaged in learning.

In high school, Mary Ann was outgoing, popular, and full of life. She was president of the Pep Squad and elected Prom Queen.  She delighted in dances, thrilling rides, and social gatherings at Denver's beloved Elitch Gardens. Adventurous by nature, she embraced ice and roller skating, horseback riding, swimming, tennis, and even skiing—at least once. Her lifelong motto was simple and sincere: "Give it a try and see how it goes; you won't know unless you try." That willingness to step forward with courage and curiosity became one of her greatest strengths.

Throughout her teenage years, Mary Ann always worked—first at a soda fountain, later at a dry-cleaning shop. The Sisters of Charity frequently recommended her to employers, who were eager to hire someone so capable and trustworthy. Starting in 7th grade and continuing through high school, she worked every day after school, all day Saturday and every summer at the dry- cleaning shop.  After graduating high school in 1947, she worked as the youngest head teller and later a loan officer at Denver City Bank while attending Barnes Business College at night. About the same time, she completed her business degree, she met her lifelong partner, Tom Kenneally, at an Annunciation Church social. They married on June 16, 1951, and shared 62 devoted years of marriage before Tom's passing in 2013.

As newlyweds, Mary Ann and Tom made their first home in North Platte, Nebraska, where their first son was born. In 1953, they moved to Butte, Montana, carrying with them their entire savings of $5,000, a shared dream, and deep faith in one another. On Harrison Avenue, they opened their first Town Pump gas station. Tom always credited Mary Ann for encouraging him to take a thoughtful risk—to believe in their future together. "We won't know unless we try," she would say. In those early years, Mary Ann handled all the bookkeeping and administrative duties for the growing business while managing a bustling household that would eventually include seven children. Their marriage was a true partnership, and from that single station, Town Pump grew into the business it is today.

Mary Ann learned to drive in 1958, at age 30, when necessity demanded it. Until then, she had walked daily from uptown Butte to the Harrison Avenue business and the bank—pushing a stroller and carrying an infant. She met those years with patience, grit, and humor. She took particular pride in the fact that she never received a traffic ticket in more than 60 years of driving.

Above all else, Mary Ann cherished her seven children. Raising seven strong-willed individuals required humor, wisdom, and resolve—all of which she possessed in abundance. When asked later in life how she managed it, she smiled and said, "God gave me the Spirit to do it." She was a peacemaker who stood firmly for what she believed was right, possessing a quiet strength, a backbone of steel, and unwavering determination.

Mary Ann and Tom enjoyed a rich social life—camping and fishing in their early years, then square and round dancing, Bible study club, Century Club, Continental Club, and attending performances at the Motherlode. Travel was one of Mary Ann's greatest joys. She cruised with each of her children and grandchildren and took her final cruise at age 91.

Mary Ann will long be remembered for her quick wit and masterful wordplay. Puns, jokes, and clever remarks were simply part of her DNA. She loved games—backgammon, Hearts, pinochle, Quiddler, Scrabble, dominoes, and Shuffle (her own version of Spite & Malice)—and she brought people together around the table with laughter and competition. A gifted cook, she delighted in collecting and trying new recipes, making ravioli, povitica, red velvet cake, and—most famously—cinnamon rolls for the entire neighborhood.

Her life was grounded in abiding faith and deep trust in God. Mary Ann was a bright light—remarkably optimistic, generous with encouragement, and quick to offer wise counsel. One of her guiding sayings was, "Do what you can, when you can, with what you have." Through her graciousness and kindness, she lived those words daily.

We are certain Mary Ann has been joyfully greeted in Heaven by her husband Tom, her parents Alex and Mary Baker, brothers Alex, James, and Raymond; as well as many other family members and friends who have gone before her.

Her loving presence will remain in the hearts of her children, Tom (Natalie), Dan (Roberta), Jim (Teresa), Kevin, Kathleen, Maureen, Mike (Colleen); grandchildren Robert (Katy), Randy, Tiffanie, Katy, Matt (Wendy), Brian, Meghann, Eric, Emilee and great grandchildren Jackson, Madison and Parker; sister-in-law  Nancy Kenneally, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins as well as her cherished furry companion, Charlie, who brought her so much joy.

Mary Ann's life was a testament to faith, courage, humor, and love—and her legacy lives on in all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of a long life well lived will be held at 11:00AM Friday January 23, at St. Ann's Church.  There will be a visitation with family beginning at 9:30 AM at St. Ann's Church.   Following mass, private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery and friends are invited to gather for a reception at location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Butte Central Catholic Schools, Our Lady of the Rockies, or the Butte Rescue Mission.