Miriam Ausmus

Miriam Morse Ausmus passed peacefully at the Legacy Assisted Living on August 22, 2016 of natural causes. Miriam was born August 11, 1928 in Dillon to area ranchers, Howard E. and Hazel (Maurer) Morse. Her grandparents, J.E. and Florence (Thorpe) Morse, were early pioneers who arrived in Montana during the 1880’s and were among the founders of the city of Dillon. After attending Dillon schools and graduating from BCHS in 1946, Miriam earned a B.S. degree from Oregon State University and was a member of the Chi Omega sorority there. She later earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Western Montana College. Miriam married W.R. (Bill) Ausmus and was co-owner of Guy’s Men’s Wear in Redondo Beach, CA. Their children, Guy and Sally, were born in California. Miriam and Bill later divorced, and she and her children returned to Dillon. Miriam was a member of Chapter AD P.E.O., former treasurer and board member of Dillon Community Concert Association, served as an election judge, worked as a volunteer at Barrett Hospital, was a member of the Republican Club, former Pan Hellenic Club member, and attended St. James Episcopal Church. She loved playing bridge and belonged to several bridge clubs. In addition, Miriam enjoyed traveling; she toured 15 foreign countries and over 40 U.S. states. Upon returning home, she always said Montana was the best place. Miriam was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Howard E. Morse. She is survived by her son Guy Ausmus (Jacquie) of Dyer, IN, and her daughter Sally Munday (Brent) of Dillon. Miriam will be sadly missed by her grandchildren Belinda Munday Nash (Steve) of Bozeman, Lynn Munday (Katie) of Albuquerque, Bryant Munday (Rachael) of Kalispell, Brittany Ausmus Steer (Adam) of Brooklyn, NY, Lauren Ausmus of Seattle, and nine great grandchildren. The family is very thankful for the wonderful care provided to their mom through these last few weeks by Rachel and the Legacy staff as well as the Hospice team. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Barrett Home Health and Hospice.