Margaret "Maggie" Joan McNees

Margaret "Maggie" Joan McNees, age 77 of Billings, MT passed away Thursday, May 13, 2021 in Billings.

She was born on March 9, 1944 in Blyth, Northumberland, England to Stanley and Viola (Proctor) Hebron. In 1948, her family immigrated to Guelf, Ontario, Canada and then moved to Salt Lake City Utah in 1949 to join her mother's family. From there, the family lived for several years in Pocatello, Idaho before returning to Salt Lake City in 1959. There she met and married Eldon Olds in December 1962.

Maggie and Eldon had two sons, Chris Olds and Scott Olds. They lived briefly in northern California while Eldon served in the US Army. Chris was born during this time. After Eldon completed his service, they returned to Salt Lake City. Scott was born one year and one week after Chris. They remained in Utah until Eldon's trucking job brought the family to Billings, MT in 1975.

While living in Billings, Maggie worked at a variety of positions including selling Nissans and driving school bus, all while fielding her "Irish twins" who tried their best to turn her hair white with their crazy antics. She was often den mother to the neighborhood kids.

In 1983, Maggie and Eldon divorced, and she moved to Lewistown, MT where she forged new and valued friendships.

While bartending at The Yogo Inn, she met Don McNees. He always claimed that she tripped him to get his attention. They married on July 19, 1993. Together they owned and operated The Movie Store and First Avenue Coin Laundry until Don's death in March 2010. Following Don's passing, Maggie moved back to Billings to be near her children.

She enjoyed retirement immensely and would often travel with Scott and his wife Jenna, but only if she could bring along her Shih Tzu and favorite companion, Sofie.

She enjoyed adventure and faced challenges head on. One of her proudest achievements was becoming a naturalized US Citizen on June 19, 1989. She took every opportunity she could to exercise her right to vote.

She was an incredibly strong, witty, and kind woman who was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She had the typical English "stiff upper lip" and did not let much phase her. She faced her recent cancer diagnosis with grace and fortitude.

She is survived by her sons Christopher Olds and Scott Olds and his wife Jenna all of Billings, MT. Her grandchildren Tim Francis of Boulder, CO, Tess (Tereasa) Olds, Idaho Falls, ID, Tara Irelan (husband KC) Idaho Falls, ID. She had 9 great-grandchildren.

Also survived by her sister Dorothy Dillman, Helena MT. Nephew Mike Dillman and his family, Sequim, WA and niece Colleen Tabbert and her family of Helena MT, and many friends in many places.

She is also survived by her beloved dog Sofie.

She was preceded in death by her husband Don McNees, infant daughter Sabrina, parents Stanley and Viola Hebron, her brother Alan Hebron and brother-in-law Sid Dillman.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Cremation and Funeral Gallery, 29 8th St W, Billings, MT. Her memorial is scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd at 11am. A reception will follow at the home of Scott and Jenna Olds after the service.

Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society or The Salvation Army which she supported for many years.

Memories can be shared at www.cfgbillings.com