It is with great sadness that the family of Nellie Marie Connaughton announces her passing on July 4th, 2021 at her home in Dickinson, ND.
A memorial service is planned for 3:00 p.m. July 16, 2021 at Stevenson funeral home in Dickinson, ND.
Nellie Marie Connaughton was born in Durango, Colorado to Veleda Mary Tuttrow and William Maze Murphree on April 28th, 1953. She spent most of her life with her mother and her step father Jesse Thomas Tuttrow. She is fondly remembered by her family and friends as Marie. Her early life revolved around her grandparents’ home and her little brother, Lauren Tuttrow. A very adventurous young child, she enjoyed playing with her childhood friend Maryann Boyd whom she considered her sister. She loved the ocean and anything to do with it, especially sea shells. Her smile was infectious. She was never afraid to strike up a conversation with anyone who wanted to lend an ear. On March 14th, 1986, Marie married the love of her life, Thomas Connaughton Jr. The couple had 11 children. They always felt as though the family was that of the movie Yours, Mine and Ours. She always bragged about her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family is lost for words as to this massive loss. She will be missed deeply by everyone who knew her, especially her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her husband.
Marie is preceded in death by both of her parents; step-father; brother Tommy Tuttrow; and sister Laurie Tuttrow.
Marie is survived by her husband Thomas Connaughton of Dickinson, ND; brother Lauren Tuttrow of Glendive, MT; children John (Lucretia) Connaughton of Orlando, FL, Thomas Connaughton III of Dickinson, ND, Brad (Debbie) Barnett of Shreveport, LA, Patrick Connaughton of Phoenix, AZ, Michael (Rosie) Connaughton of Chandler, AZ, Kristian Connaughton of Dickinson, ND, Kara Connaughton of Dickinson, ND, Melissa (Chris) Grosz of Belfield, ND, Heather (Andy) Hintz of Dickinson, ND, Ellen Connaughton of Rice Lake, WI, Kevin (Kaela) Connaughton of Bismarck, ND; 32 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 1 niece.
