Mary Lena Whitt

Mary Lena Whitt, age 85, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at 5:26 p.m. at the hospital in Shelby, Montana. She was born February 7, 1941, in Edmonton, Alberta, to Dolfus Nipshank and Elizabeth Piche. Her mother was Cree and her father was Cree and French Canadian.

Mary grew up in Athabasca, Alberta—known to her as “Hathabasca.” After graduating from high school, she moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, where she lived for several years before returning to Alberta. She lived in Coleman and later in Lethbridge for nearly 10 years.

While in Lethbridge, Mary worked at the El Rancho Hotel and on Woodward’s food floor. She later became a hairstylist and proudly owned Mary’s Snip and Clip.

In the 1980s, Mary moved to Montana following her second marriage. That marriage later ended. She met Terry Whitt, and the two were married in 1985. Mary and Terry made their home in Shelby, Montana, where they shared more than four decades of love, laughter, friendship and memories.

Mary was deeply devoted to her family. She was the proud mother of Greg Draffin and Nicole Parsley-Leblanc and grandmother to Nic Draffin, Megan Draffin, Katrina, Tamera and Keegan. Family was her greatest pride and joy, and she cherished every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren and extended family.

Mary was also a familiar and valued face throughout the Shelby community. She was a member of the Elks Club and served on the Board of Meadow Lake Golf Resort and the Marias Valley Country Club. She was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in and was passionate about municipal and state-level positions. During her campaigns, Mary could often be found going door-to-door, introducing herself to voters, talking with people and personally asking for their support.

Retirement never really meant retiring for Mary. She remained active and connected to the Shelby community through Pamida, the Shelby Community Center, Town Pump and the Shelby Museum. She loved meeting people, helping others and finding ways to contribute.

Mary had many passions. She loved golf, quilting, family gatherings, vacations and traveling with family. She enjoyed Elvis Presley and music from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. She especially loved playing cards and cribbage and teaching children how to play. She spent countless hours working, volunteering, campaigning and making sure no one left her home hungry.

Mary and Terry especially enjoyed following Nic and Megan’s hockey journey, from the earliest days of learning to play through the end of their exceptional hockey experiences. They were proud supporters every step of the way.

Later in life, Mary met her daughter Nicole, and the two were able to share much love and conversation over the years before her passing. They took the time to get to know each other, discover their past and build a meaningful chapter in both of their lives.

Mary’s strength and independence were hallmarks of her character. She was proud of her children and grandchildren and took great joy in offering guidance, support and direction. She believed strongly in raising children with independence, perseverance and love. She was devoted to her family, fiercely independent, generous, caring, funny and, at times, stubborn. She was never afraid to speak her mind and was always willing to help someone in need.

Mary loved her dogs—Conan, Mika, Brandy and Zelda—and they were an important part of her life. She enjoyed family traditions, including Christmas Eve seafood night, and treasured annual vacations and family get-togethers. For nearly 20 years, Mary and Terry shared those special memories with Greg’s family.

She was also known for knocking on doors, campaigning and meeting people. She loved being involved, staying busy and making a difference in the lives of those around her.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Terry Whitt; her brother, Emil Nipshank; her son, Greg Draffin; grandchildren, Nic Draffin and Megan Draffin and their mother, Sharla Draffin (daughter-in-law); her daughter, Nicole Parsley-Leblanc, grandchildren, Katrina, Tamera, and Keegan; and her extended family, including many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dolfus Nipshank and Elizabeth Piche, and her siblings, Lawrence Nipshank, Leonard Nipshank and Helen Crocker.

Mary Lena Whitt will be remembered for her independence, determination, generosity, sense of humor and unwavering love for her family and community. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and the lasting imprint of a woman who lived fully, loved deeply, worked hard and never stopped giving of herself.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby, Montana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a local charity.

Mary’s legacy will live on through the many people she touched, the family she loved so dearly and the Shelby community she proudly called home.