Cecil “Louise” Roe Milliron of Helena, MT, passed away October 16, 2012 at her home from complications of COPD. She was 89 years of age. She was the fourth of eight children born to Elfonzo Rudd and Cecil Alice (Haynor) Roe in Helena March 12, 1923. From an early age she was raised by her grandmother Lulu Roe. She spent most of her childhood in Clancy, MT and rode a cold school bus to Boulder for High School where she graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 1941. She married Robert V Milliron in a simple ceremony at a judge’s house on April 7, 1942. They began their 70 years of marriage in a tent in Lincoln, MT. Before moving to Helena, they lived on several ranches, four of the houses without indoor plumbing, until Bob could put in a bathroom. She was so happy and excited when they adopted and she became a mother to daughter Penny in 1943. Almost 14 years later in 1957 daughter Viki was born. She wanted a boy and in 1959 son Gordon was born. She was a wife, a homemaker, and mom not to only her 3 children, but she provided a home for her grandmother Lulu, brother Bob, nephew Jim, and others who stayed off and on with her and Bob throughout the years. After her two younger children and first three grandchildren came along, she still always seemed to have a houseful of kids. She spent summers helping in the hayfield, cooking, and caring for kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. Spring found her helping during calving season. She recently told of how proud she was when she pulled her first calf. Her last two grandchildren came into her life when she was retired and could spoil them, and spoil them, she did. She was an avid reader, fierce pinochle player, and spent hours trying to beat “old sol” in solitaire. When she was younger, she enjoyed horseback trips into the Bob Marshal Wilderness with her family. Later, she enjoyed RV camping with family and RV trips with friends. She especially enjoyed the RV trips with Bob, daughter Penny and her husband Dick.
She is survived by her husband Bob of Helena, her daughter Viki (Hugh) Spencer of Plains, and son-in-law Dick Foote of Helena. She was the “best grandma” to her five grandchildren. They are Tom Dickinson, Bob Dickinson, and Debbie Watson all of Helena, Benjamin (Ashleen) Spencer and Brittany Spencer of Missoula. She is also survived by five great grandchildren, (she was looking forward to cuddling the latest to be born in November) and four great, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved children, Gordon Milliron and Penny Milliron Foote, both parents, brothers William Roe, Alfred Roe, and Robert Roe, sisters Margaret Kemp, Dorothy Davy, Betty Dana, and Elizabeth Noble.
The family would like to thank Rocky Mountain Hospice for the compassionate care given to Louise in the past months.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 22, 2012 at Retz Funeral Home Chapel. A reception will follow the service at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Banquet Hall, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Louise, please visit below.
Lori Waits says
We will miss you very much grandma. I always loved coming to your house to dye Easter eggs, it was fun to make a mess and laugh. I adopted you when I met you because I didnt have a grandma. I was your favorite and only adopted granddaughter. I love you.
Marilyn Pope Jurenka says
Louise, you were a wonderful lady. I so enjoyed visiting at your home when I was growing up. You would always take time to visit and listen. You will be missed by many I am sure. Prayers to your family. Love, Marilyn
Campbell family says
It was always nice to see her at the swim meets cheering on Ben and Brittany. She was always the best cheerleader ! Our thoughts and prayers are with Viki and the family.
Gerry and Sandy Transtrom says
Aunt Louise will be terribly missed. We loved visiting at your home and when you and Uncle Bob came to visit. Oh the great family reunions, or just watching you and the Sis’s laughing at something you did while growing up. We neices and nephews sure have been given some wonderful memories.Our thoughts are there with you Uncle Bob and Vicki.
Darlene Miller Scott says
Louise, you always had a special place in my heart. I can still remember all the f;un times we had when I was a little girl living in Lincoln. I used to think of Penny as my big sister. I can remember how excited everyone was when you found out that Vicki was on the way. I will never forget you and my Mom wading waist deep in a pond to pick water lilies. It was so cold and you were both screaming and laughing, but you succeeded and we had beautiful water lilies to take home. Those were such simple times but we all had so much fun. You were a wonderful lady, Louise, and I will always remember you fondly. I am blessed to have known such a nice person.
Ben Spencer says
Hi Gramma, its been awhile. I just want to check in and let you know that I love and miss you.