Mollie Waldum

Mollie Waldum was welcomed into the world on February 10, 1959 in Detroit Lakes, MN by her lucky parents Ralph and Joan (Schweitzer) McNally. The second youngest of six children, her love of life and ability to connect with people endeared her to all. Growing up in Rapid City, South Dakota, Mollie always carried a certain wisdom and calm and a seemingly effortless way of helping everyone. Her love of the outdoors began with time at the family cabin in the Black Hills.

Mollie graduated from Stevens High School in Rapid City, SD in 1977 and the University of South Dakota in 1981 where she found her true calling in public education. Through a 36-year career, she became an outstanding teacher. Mollie received many teaching awards to which she humbly replied, "I don't want to be in the limelight. I do this for the kids." She began her teaching career at Wright, Wyoming in 1981 where she also met her husband, Paul.

They married on October 8, 1988 and began a strong 36-year marriage built on trust, mutual respect, and a great love for each other. After moving to Gillette, Wyoming in 1990, Paul and Mollie had years of adventures. Mollie became an award-winning dog trainer in obedience and agility. Paul and Mollie began their treasured family with the birth of daughter Annie in 1998 and son Matthew in 1999.

Mollie inspired the youth of Gillette for decades at Sunflower Elementary where she taught many grades and perfected the craft of sixth-grade education. Mollie retired in 2018 and moved to Livingston, Montana. This retirement was short as she became the Superintendent of Park County Rural Schools and brought her vast experience and calm demeanor to enrich the lives of yet more communities. She immensely enjoyed being in the outdoors, particularly Paradise Valley, and watching wildlife in Yellowstone.

In the fall of 2021, Mollie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought valiantly and gracefully. Mollie passed peacefully at Bozeman Deaconess Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving husband and children on March 27, 2025.

Mollie was a generous person. She always assisted at swimming events and school fundraisers and kindly gave her time to help other teachers and numerous dog trainers. Her generosity continued after her passing through the donation of her corneas, providing another with the gift of sight. Before her passing, Mollie was proud to see both her children accepted into the University of Washington School of Medicine as classmates, graduating class of 2029.

Mollie is survived by her loving husband Paul Waldum, daughter Annie Waldum, and son Matthew Waldum of Livingston, MT; sisters Pat (Gary) Hamilton of Rapid City, SD; Michelle (Al) Johnson of Hill City, SD; Paulette (Jamie) McNally of Sheridan, WY; Megan (Mat) Diedrich of Gillette, WY; and Mark (Teri) McNally of Rapid City, SD; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Her wide circle of friends will greatly miss Mollie. On June 21, 2025, 11:00, there will be a gathering on the family land in Paradise Valley to celebrate Mollie's life. All are welcome to share their cherished memories of her gentle and generous life.

Please visit https://www.dokkennelson.com for more information about this event. The event will be held at 78 Deep CK RD S FK, Livingston, MT. If you wish to donate in Mollie's memory, we invite you to support cancer research at UW Medicine and Fred Hutch Cancer Center, including the Cancer Vaccine Project, or contribute to Mollie's tree fund in Paradise Valley.