Mary Ellen Wildish-Arnold, age 90, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on September 3rd, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a cherished friend to many.
Mary was born in 1934 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Ruth Louise Ailey. As a baby, she moved with her mother to California during the Great Depression, and in 1939, they relocated to Sixteen, Montana, where Ruth cared for her late sister’s children. Later, Ruth married Jess Ailey, a Milwaukee Railroad worker, and the family settled in Ringling, Montana.
Mary’s spirited personality emerged early. As a teenager, she delivered newspapers to save up for her first guitar. She loved music and could often be found walking the streets of Ringling, strumming her guitar, singing, and yodeling—bringing joy to everyone around her. It was in Ringling that she met the love of her youth, James D. Wildish, whom she married in 1951. Together, they raised four children in Montana City, where they made their family home until James’ passing in 1989.
In 1995, Mary married her second husband, Robert “Bob” Arnold of Clancy, Montana. The couple shared a deep love of country music and entertained at social gatherings with Bob on guitar and Mary joyfully playing her tambourine. After retiring from U.S. Bank in Helena, Mary and Bob embraced the snowbird lifestyle, traveling between Arizona, California, and Montana where they chose to permanently call Montana home, until Bob’s passing in 2019.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved mother Ruth Louise Ailey; her first husband, James D. Wildish; her second husband, Robert Arnold; her sisters Dorothy Barnes Hicherson, Jessica Ness, and Wilma Doig; and her brother Perry Ailey.
She is survived by her four children: Bonnie (Shelton) Staples of Montana City, MT; James Wildish of Laurel, MD; John “Dusty” (Kathy) Wildish of Clancy, MT; and Marianne (Elmer) Bensinger of Spokane, WA. She leaves behind eight grandchildren: Dan (Stacey) Purdom of Helena, MT; Del Wing of Helena, MT; Carla (Joe) Hartman of Queen Creek, AZ; Heather Wildish of Klamath Falls, OR; James (Hynaok) Wildish of Rockwell, TX; Sarah Wildish of Laurel, MD; Nichole (Brett) McChesney of Bozeman, MT; and Desiree Wing of Rochester, WA—as well as 17 great-grandchildren who adored her.
Mary was so much more than the dates that mark her life. She was a true light in the lives of everyone who knew her. A social butterfly with a gentle spirit, a kind heart, and a warm smile, Mary had a special way of making people feel seen, heard, and unconditionally loved.
She found joy in music, especially singing and yodeling to country songs, and often wrote music and poetry inspired by her life. She loved playing the family marbles game—cutthroat style—and was deeply rooted in her faith, reading her Bible from front to back many times over.
Mary gave of herself fully, always putting the needs of others before her own. She loved her family fiercely and without hesitation, and her legacy of love, kindness, and joyful spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Until we meet again in Heaven—We love you.
A celebration of Life will be done at a later date and time.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Add your thoughts and memories.