George E. Mabee, of East Otis, Massachusetts and Billings, Montana, died suddenly on April 17 at age 68. He was born in Schenectady, New York on March 20, 1953, to George W. Mabee and Olive Young Mabee.
George enjoyed working in a variety of fields, including cooking, sales, computer networking, and satellite installations. He attended Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona, and in 1999 he earned an associate’s degree in computer and electronic technology from May Technical College in Billings. He was a generous volunteer for the Rocky Mountain College special-needs swim program in Billings and Habitat for Humanity in a number of states. He was a member of the Otis Technology Committee.
George made friends easily, and everyone he met knew that his greatest love, aside from his grandchildren, was his Harley-Davidson and an open road. He loved to travel, and he was an inventor, a creator. He enjoyed cooking for family and friends, always coming up with creative dishes and, of course, his famous chicken enchiladas and biscuits and gravy. He was always the first to volunteer to help a friend or stranger in need. He was loud and funny, always ready to provoke a heated discussion, and had a beautiful smile and resounding laugh — he loved life.
Survivors include his spouse, Judith Mabee of East Otis, and a sister, Marilyn Brooks of Arizona; eight children, Maxine (Mark) Bucknum of Mesa, Rick (Laura) Parrish of Sweethome, Oregon, Todd (Jessica) Carter of Boise, Idaho, Danielle Loomer, April (Troy) Saunders, and Tya (Earl) Campbell, all of Billings, Dana (Rich) Pustinger of East Otis, and Stayce (Bill) Dougherty of Southwick, Massachusetts; 15 grandchildren, Brittney, Brady, Brenden, Brogan, Austin, Jackson, Ethan, Colton, Logan, Owen, Morgan, Rhiannon, Patrick, Elizabeth, and Bradley; and a great-granddaughter, Tennessee. He is also remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends, including the Davis, Young, and Dwyer families, and especially Ann Davis Mabee and lifelong friend Danny Askeland.
A memorial service will be held at Izaak Walton Field in Otis at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 1. COVID-19 safety measures are required. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Otis Volunteer Fire Department in George’s name. A Celebration of Life will be held in Billings this summer.
Face masks and social distancing will be required for visiting hours. Please enter through the Main Street doors in the front of the building and exit through the parking lot door.
If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures with the family, please visit the Kelly Funeral Home website.
