Marian Elizabeth Redle Kuzma died of complications related to congestive heart failure on Wednesday, July 28, 2004.

Marian was the youngest of seven children born to Marion and Frank Redle in Sheridan, Wyo., Dec. 1, 1929. She attended Holy Name School and graduated from Sheridan High School. Marian earned her B.A. degree with a major in English from Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, Kan., where she graduated cum laude in 1953. After graduating, she worked in public relations at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio. Marian then returned to Sheridan, where she worked in public relations for a local radio station.

Marian met John David Kuzma of Monarch, Wyo., and they were married on Dec. 27, 1956, at Holy Name Church in Sheridan. The couple moved to Great Falls and, in 1959, to Billings, where they settled and raised their six children. Marian devoted her time to caring for her family, staying home while her husband traveled extensively in connection with his work. She actively encouraged and supported their children's studies and extracurricular activities at St. Pius X and Billings Central Catholic High Schools.

Marian returned to work in November of 1977, working part-time for Easter Seals as an administrative assistant until her retirement on June 18, 1999. She enjoyed the variety of duties she performed in support of the organization's audiology, educational and fundraising activities.

Marian had eight grandchildren and enjoyed encouraging them in their studies and outside interests. After John's death in 1997, Marian continued to play an active role in family activities. She was always willing to listen to her children and to help them when they sought her guidance, giving them motherly advice and counsel.

Marian had a broad range of interests. She was an avid sports fan, having grown up with five brothers. She enjoyed attending her children's and grandchildren's sporting events. She enjoyed reading and listening to music, especially American standards and musicals, and watching classic movies. She was interested in history and current events. She was also fond of animals, especially cats. She shared these interests with her children and grandchildren and encouraged them in pursuing their own interests.

Marian Kuzma is survived by one brother, David Redle, in Akron; her daughters Judy Kuzma of Gaithersburg, Md., Barbara Akers of Kansas City, Mo., Grace (Gene) Reif of Shepherd, Veronica (Roni) Kuzma of Billings and Beth Kuzma in El Paso, Texas; her son, Bill Kuzma of Billings, and grandchildren, Jenelle, Matt, Seth and Lucas Reif, Charlie and Marcus D. Johnson, Kali Kuzma and Sarah Akers.

Preceding her in death were her husband John Kuzma, her grandchild Rachel Reif, siblings, Rosal, Bill, Austin, Frank and Ed Redle.

Visitation for Marian will be at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Ave., Billings, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. A Rosary Vigil will be held on Monday at 7 p.m. at Dahl Funeral Chapel.

The Funeral Mass will be at St. Pius X Church, Billings, on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

The family requests that any donations be made to Easter Seal Society, 1130 16th St. W., Billings 59102 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105. Dahl Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.