Mitzi Baugh

Mitzi Baugh passed away April 10, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on Jan. 17, 1937, as Mary Evelyn Rodocay but the nurses immediately said “No, that’s a Mitzi.” Born in Helena, she was the youngest of four girls. At the young age of 20, Mitzi met her future husband through a blind date set up by her twin sisters and their dates. Don and Mitzi were married in Helena and spent the next 44 years together until Don’s passing from colon cancer in October 2000.

Don’s job with Mountain Bell took them traveling and living around the state of Montana. Her son, Michael John, was born in Livingston and, while in Miles City, daughter Toni Michell was born in the record heat of August. They eventually settled in Missoula, where Mitzi started her 15-plus year banking career at First National Bank. Mitzi golfed, bowled and attempted to ski while working and raising her children. Although she will claim she never liked the Grizzlies, she held football and basketball season tickets and attended years of games, whether they were winning or losing, sitting through many freezing games, tailgating before and after the games. In 1979, they moved back to her beloved hometown of Helena. Mitzi and Don enjoyed their winters in Arizona, where they golfed, traveled and just enjoyed relaxing in the company of their many wintertime friends.

She was the mother to her son Mike (and Kathy) Baugh of Helena and daughter Toni Donahue (and partner Bob Nickoloff) of Red Lodge. Mitzi treasured her four grandchildren, Kellie (and Alex) French; Tom Donahue; and Colin and Kevin Angland. She was going to become a first-time great-grandmother in September. Mitzi is survived by her twin sisters Arlene Carlson and Eileen (and Ed) Grady. Her oldest sister Jeannie Sautter, (who was special to Mitzi so we are thinking that is why she chose her birthday to pass); brothers-in-law Gene Sautter, Dick Carlson; and nephew Ronald Carlson proceed her in death. She was Auntie Mitzi to several nieces and nephews with a special place in her heart for Ben, to whom she was forever thankful that you answered that faithful phone call. She will be missed by her many friends, especially dear friends Donna Olson, who will miss their Friday afternoon phone calls; former son-in-law Brian Donahue who, each time he would call her, she’d say “I was just thinking of calling you” and Aggie Frankino and their monthly coffee dates.

Mitzi didn’t want a fuss and requested no services or words in the paper. Against her wishes, Mike and Toni felt it important to let all those whose Mitzi’s life touch, know that she has left us for now and will forever be in our hearts. We love you, Mom, Auntie Mitzi, sister and Grandma.

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