Mary Ellen Olmstead

Mary Ellen Olmstead, age 89, of Cut Bank, Montana, passed away on June 21, 2026.

With gratitude for her life and confidence in the Gospel, we entrust her to the Savior who said, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” In that assurance, we rest in the hope of the resurrection.

Although Mary Ellen’s home church is St. Paul’s Lutheran in Cut Bank, Montana, her funeral service will be held at Trinity Methodist Church in Cavalier, North Dakota, on Sunday, July 19 at 1 p.m., where she asked her son—who serves as pastor there—to preside, with streaming available for family and friends unable to attend due to distance or health. The streaming address is https://www.youtube.com/@cavaliertrinity/streams. A friends and family graveside service for those who can attend will follow in Cut Bank, MT at a date to be determined in August. 

 Mary Ellen was born September 12, 1936 to Clifford and Ellen Ericksen in Sidney, Montana where she was raised, graduating from high school in Sidney. She married Phillips Eugene Olmstead on October 20, 1957. They were married for 57 years.

Mary Ellen’s vocation was a full-time mom and homemaker raising 5 children with faith, love, service and sacrifice being at the center of who she was. After raising her children, she continued in her role of homemaker as she cared for her husband Phil in their home for 20 years after he suffered a debilitating stroke.

Her faith in Jesus as her Lord was central to who she was. As such she served in all kinds of roles at her church of over 60 years, St. Paul’s Lutheran in Cutbank. She also was active at the Cutbank Senior Center as a board member and volunteer for many years.

Mary Ellen is survived by Charles (Cara) Olmstead of Cavalier ND; Jospeh, (Teresa) Olmstead of Murfreesboro, TN; Benjamin (Carol) Olmstead of Helena, MT; and Kathleen (Ben) Rice of Big Sandy, MT; her brothers Boyd (Ginger) Ericksen of Carrollton, TX; and John (Robin) Ericksen of Helena MT. Survivors also include 9 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents Clifford and Ellen Ericksen; her husband Phillips Olmstead; daughter Jennifer Williams; and her brother Wayne Ericksen.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Cutbank MT or to the Cutbank Senior Center.

The family thanks everyone who offered prayers and expressed condolences as we do the work of commending mom to God’s care and promises for her.