Marian Manion

A Celebration of Life open house for Marian C. ?Micky? Manion, 79, of Baker, MT will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker with Micky?s family receiving friends from 2:00 p. m. to 5:00 p. m. The daughter of a Scottish farmer and Swedish immigrant, Marian Christine McKenzie was born June 6, 1932 in St. Croix Falls Wisconsin, to Dan and Inga Mortenson McKenzie. Growing up in rural Polk County, Micky was active in the local 4-H club. Her needlework entered in the local fair was easily identified by judges, and known for handiwork that was perfect on the back side as on the front side. She, along with older brother, Neil, worked hard on the family farm, caring for livestock, raising crops and gardening. Her education included school at Lamar high school in St. Croix Falls and Teachers College in Frederic Wisconsin, where she found her calling. In 1953, Micky married Harry Rowe and two years later, their little family grew with the addition of their son, Doug. In 1964, Micky and Doug moved to Baker, Montana where Micky began her career teaching kindergarten. She enjoyed three years at that position, and then moved to Rhame, North Dakota. While there, she taught elementary grades in the public school system until she took action to meet the needs of children incapable of succeeding in mainstream classrooms. She was instrumental in the beginnings of The School of Promise in Bowman North Dakota. She touched many lives there, and her legacy is still very much in evidence to this day. Micky loved children and for several years, owned and ran ?Micky?s Happy Day Daycare Center? in Bowman. Through her life, Marian was known by different names: Marian McKenzie; Marian (Harry) Rowe; Marian (Joe) Swenson; Marian (Steve) Manion; Mom, Grandma, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Friend, Neighbor, Teacher and lovingly, ?Micky?. Her childhood drawing of a house on wheels became a reality for her late in life as she traveled North America from the Arctic Circle to Mexico and from the Atlantic to the Pacific, leading motor home caravans on tours or simply traveling for enjoyment in her own motor home. Micky found people fascinating and constantly looked to learn new things wherever she went. Finally, Micky opted to take an apartment in Baker, to be near family and friends. Around Baker, Micky could be found working with the after-school program, the annual health fair, selling tickets at the county fair, participating in her homemaking group and supporting community events. She loved the arts and continued to find new ways to express her creativity through quilting, flower arranging, taking pictures, painting and doing various handwork such as embroidery, Swedish weaving, knitting and other arts passed down from her mother. Micky?s final days were spent in the Fallon County Nursing Home and Medical Center, where she received loving care and support from the employees and medical staff. Resting comfortably, Micky passed away Saturday, April 28, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Inga McKenzie, St. Croix Falls Wisconsin; brother, Neil McKenzie, St. Croix Falls Wisconsin and her dear little ?traveling puppy?, Tina. Those left to remember her include son Douglas (Donna) Rowe, Baker, Montana; grandchildren, Brian (Ashley) Rowe, Williston, North Dakota and Erika (Brennen) Wong, Salt Lake City, Utah; great-granddaughter, Madison; niece, Kelly (Dan) Sylte, Amery, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Joyce (Neil) McKenzie, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin and numerous great-nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers please make memorials in Micky?s honor to the Baker After-School Program in care of the Fallon County Recreation Department, P. O. Box 1512, Baker, Montana 59313 or the School of Promise, 204 7th Avenue Southwest, Bowman, North Dakota 58623.


Burial Date: May 12, 2012
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Celebration of Life Open House: Saturday, Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT