Birdie Lorraine Staley (92), long time Helena resident, passed away peacefully with family by her side on June 12, 2023, while visiting family in Billings, MT. She was born in Helena, Montana to Edward and Dorothy Magnus on November 16, 1930, which was the first anniversary of her parents. She had seven siblings and is survived by her baby sister, Vivian Parent of Washington. She raised 6 children along side her husband Martin Staley; Bobbie Ann, Dale, Kenny, Rose, Dorothy and Brenda. She was preceded in death by her husband Martin, her parents, her brothers Elmer, Donald, Sonny and Royal and sister Lucille, her son Kenny as well as her grandson Nathan.
She was a very lovable person who was a social butterfly with a contagious personality. She left a lasting impression on anyone she would meet. She loved to spend time with family and friends. Her hobbies include crochet and knitting, loved to play cards, camping along with taking trips with family.
She had numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren along with several bonus grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was known as Old Grandma or Omama and sometimes Grandma, by all.
She had many many life long friends including in recent years, Jonathan Bennidict who loved her like his own Grandma and spent many hours with her watching her favorite team the Mariners and the rodeo on tv while he cooked dinner for her. He was very near and dear to her heart and they built a special bond.
>From our family to yours, we would like to extend a thank you to all medical staff at the Billings clinic for their excellent care they provided during her last moments of life.
Family receiving friends is scheduled from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM the evening of Friday, June 23 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke funeral home.
Services will be as follows – Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 3 PM at Anderson Stevenson Wilke funeral home.
Reception to follow at Virag residence located at 1300 Hudson St. in Helena.
Cremation will occur after the service with a private family burial at a later date.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday June 23, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Saturday June 24, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday June 24, 2023
The Virag Residence
1300 Hudson St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday June 23, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Saturday June 24, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday June 24, 2023
The Virag Residence
1300 Hudson St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Brenda Lynn Staley says
Mom what I wouldn’t give to have taco pizza (from Godfather’s pizza), to hear I love you, to put a puzzle together, to share our crochet projects, to watch baseball, the rodeo, bold & the beautiful (or as you called it the bold & the beauty) with you, wheel of fortune, the price is right, our hallmark movies, or have Adam make us egg in the hole, have a sherbet float or an apple pie float, or even one more argument. I guess I will have to keep up crocheting dishcloths. Love and miss you
Krystal Holland says
Sorry for you loss of your mom send me your address on messger
Becki Brewer says
I’ll never forget all of us dancing together and the fun times we had. Every time we seen each other we always had to say I love you. I’m going to miss that. Rest In Peace Birdie. I love you…
Sandi Benson says
Dorothy & family
Loved your Mom for many years and can’t say I never left without a smile on my face! She always had several with laughs too just waiting to be shared. Know I have you all in my thoughts & my heart. Rest now Birdie you did great.
Vicki Hetherington says
So sorry tor your loss. I had the pleasure of talking to Birdie a few times. Very sweet caring lady!
Maria says
She was one of a kind! What a beautiful lady, that I had the privilege to meet. Love to the family!!
Wally and Inez says
Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out to your family at this difficult time. May your memories with her ease your loss of her.
Diane Sharp says
We have known Birdie for several years when she lived on State Street. She was a very nice person and loved all her kids and family. Thoughts and Prayers for her family.
Roy moreno says
So sorry of hearing off Birdies passing I remember my mom visiting her when she lived on Custer next door to EJ and Donna Sheridan parents my deepest condolences to your family may she RIP
Roy J Howe says
Loved your Mom very much….She always brought a Hugggggge Smile to my Face…..when I watch the Kansas city chiefs I will remember her I get I’m back of her couch….And always remember…. Remember your Mom with joy and laughter for that is how she’ll remember you… if you could only remember her with tears then don’t remember her at….love you all❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Roy J Howe says
Loved your Mom very much….She always brought a Hugggggge Smile to my Face…..when I watch the Kansas city chiefs… I will remember her I
Blanket on the back of her couch….And always remember…. Remember your
Mom with joy and laughter for that is how she’ll remember you… if you could only remember her with tears then don’t remember her at….love you all❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Cathy (Pullin) Kovich says
We grew up in the State Street area and remember the family. I ran into Birdie and shared who I was. What a memory she had! She looked the same, laughed the same and shared her family stories. I’m sorry for your loss. May the many, many memories replace your sorrow as time passes. My thoughts and prayers surround you.
Ashley grand daughter says
Grandma sure do miss you alot and miss our phone calls and hang out times together. Love you and wish one more day with you and the babies. Now u are dancing in heaven with the other love ones of the family who have passed and one day we will be dancing and laughing again . Till we see u again grandma please watch over us all.
Shauna Yamaguchi says
To my beautiful old gma I so blessed to have had such an incredible amazing relationship with you.There were times in my life that you were there no matter what!I will say almost everything major in my life from the very worst to the very best!! When I got the opportunity to help you out you never gave up on me even when I did you wrong.You believed in me and in return I learned to believe in myself and got a blessing no one but us will ever understand so thank you old gma Fly high and give them hell up there Remember to watch over all of us !! Love you your Shaunnie 🥰😊🙏
Cathlene Millay says
Oh Sweet Birdie, remembering the 7- 8 years we worked together. What a joy you were in every way. Your smile, your laughter, your caring heart, always dancing about <3 Gods Blessings to all your family that you dearly loved <3 Rest in Peace Birdie. I know you are dancing <3