Tammy Jean Walling

After living with a 40 year long complicated illness, Tammy Jean, “TJ”, Walling, passed away March 4, 2025, in Laurel, Montana. She lived a full and adventurous life despite her circumstances.

She was born August 5, 1960, in Haskell, Texas, to Randell and Larna Jean Walling, the sixth of seven children. The family moved to Casper, Wyoming in 1962, then to Powell in 1965 where she attended Powell schools. As a child Tammy excelled in every sport she played. She loved the outdoors, camping, hiking, fishing, and later in life spending time in the sunshine.

In 1974, Tammy, her parents and younger sister moved to Karachi, Pakistan. She had many adventures there, including exploring the exotic city of 20 million people, swimming with the dolphins in the Arabian Sea, and playing soccer with her team in an international tournament in Kabul, Afghanistan. After her father was transferred to Ireland, she finished her high school years at a boarding school there, going home for long holidays and summers, and taking trips with her parents and younger sister all over the world.

Returning to the United States in 1978, Tammy pursued her academic interests and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in teaching and a minor in accounting. After graduation, she landed employment in Douglas, Wyoming, where she worked in accounting for several years. Tammy then moved herself to Bozeman, Montana to pursue her CPA at Montana State University. Unfortunately, her chronic Multiple Sclerosis worsened, preventing achievement of that goal. While in Bozeman, Tammy participated in Toast Masters in several locations and served as a Lector at church. Wherever she lived, Tammy loved to spend time talking and sharing a meal with friends. Due to her illness, she spent over 10 years in nursing homes. She loved new foods and would have food delivered for the whole staff while living there. She was outgoing, spicy, and full of teasing laughter, even from a wheelchair!

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Sam Walling and Tony Walling. She is survived by a brother, Dick (Colleen) Walling of Oregon, sisters, Freda (Jeff) Miller of Powell, Wyoming, Kim (Loyd) Fonda of Nevada, Randi Walling Slaughter of Wyoming, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. We will miss her!

Cremation has taken place, and a family Memorial Service is planned for a future summer day. Memorial donations can be made in her name to Laurel Health and Rehab Center, 820 3rd Ave, Laurel, MT 59044 or Compassus Hospice, 490 N 31st ST, Suite 130B, Billings, MT 59101.