Dolly G. Eschenburg, aged 90, passed away on February 24, 2013 in Helena, Montana.
In the “good old days” of Helena’s Montana Club, when Dolly walked into the room, the band would strike up “Hello Dolly.” Dolly’s vivacious personality remained with her throughout her life. At 84, she told her daughter she was “just too busy to have time to get old.” On a family trip to Puerto Vallarta, at age 83, Dolly informed everyone she was “up for anything except bungee jumping.” At 88 she could be seen mowing her lawn. Her motto was, “You can’t just lie around.” And, she didn’t!
Dolly was born in Chester, Montana on December 8, 1922. Her parents, Bert & Hilda (Morkrid) Axness, died in a house fire 1925. Dolly and her brother Allen were adopted by Henry and Marie Woare, parents of another daughter, Betty. In 1932, the family moved to Helena where Henry continued his newspaper career. During the Great Depression, Dolly remembered her family feeding anyone who came to their door hungry.
Dolly graduated from Helena High School in 1941. She was secretary of the student body. Dolly married her high school sweetheart, Lewis (Lewie) A. Hilger. Lewie was a star Carroll College football player for the undefeated Carroll Saints when he was called to become a tail-gunner in the US Army Air Force during WWII. Lewie was killed in France in January, 1945. Dolly and Lewie had one daughter, Sharon.
While working at the Union Bank, Dolly met Bob Ziegler. They married in 1949. Dolly continued her banking career at the Federal Reserve Bank, as Public Relations Specialist. Many happy times were spent at their Canyon Ferry cabin. Dolly was the champion at catching fish. Her secret? Mini marshmallows—any color! Bob died in 1965.
Dolly was the first person from Montana to be elected as a National Director of the Navy League of the United States and was appointed to the Executive Board. She was given the honor of participating in the dedication of the bell at the State Historical Museum in Helena. In 1965, Dolly accompanied Montana’s exhibit to the World’s Fair in New York. She fondly remembered being known by her first name at Sardi’s on her frequent visits to the restaurant!
In 1977, Dolly married General Emil P. Eschenburg. They enjoyed attending the Dinner Dances at the Montana Club and golfing at the Green Meadow Country Club. (She taught her secret putting technique to her grandson!) Dolly and Emil traveled to France, Spain, Germany, Austria and Switzerland for sight-seeing, golfing and attending military affairs. Dolly and Emil enjoyed spending time at their Big Sky condo where Dolly decided to take up cross-country skiing. It didn’t take her long to decide she preferred her warm weather golf!
Dolly often drove to Bozeman to see family. Whenever her great-granddaughters taught Dolly a new card game, Dolly promptly won. She even tried Wii bowling! After a few days, she had to go home and rest because she was worn out from laughing and eating.
We all thank you, Dolly, for enriching our lives!
Dolly is survived by: her daughter, Sharon Johns of Bozeman and Sharon’s three children: Ross O’Hara Hulett of Las Vegas, NV and his three children, Arison, Marielle and Olivia; Shannon (Greg) Vidmar and their two daughters: Molly and Hailey of Bozeman; Chad (Kate) Hulett and daughters, Anne, Bryn and Maddy of Walla Walla, WA; two nephews, Henry Flatow (Kim) of Helena and Gary Flatow of Missoula. grand and great-grand nieces and nephews: Kevin Flatow, Hank Flatow (Jeni), Heidi (Brien) Gault; Brent Flatow; Kyra, Autumn, Marnie (Stephen) Salt; Jonty, and nephew Gary Flatow’s daughter, Keely (Samir); brother-in-law Don (Sara) Hilger; and their children Don Hilger, Tom Hilger, Beth Noel and Pam (Bruce) Mihelish. niece, Linda (Mike) Ryan.
A special thank you is extended to Dolly’s neighbors and to her friends, old and new.
Dolly was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Allan, her sister, Betty Flatow Hudson, and her husbands.
Dolly will be buried with husband, General Emil Eschenburg, at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery, Fort Harrison.
The family invites you to join them at a social gathering sharing remembrances of Dolly between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Memorials in Dolly’s name are suggested to Hospice of St. Peter’s 2475 Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601 of to any veteran organization of the donor’s choice.
T Alston says
I am sorry for your loss. Ninety years of life is still much too short. How thankful we are that our grand Creator, Jehovah plans to restore his original purpose and make it possible for all mankind (including our loved ones we have lost in death) to live forever under perfect conditions. (Matthew 6:10; Job 14:14 & 15). Please accept my condolences as you deal with the loss of Mrs. Eschenburg and contemplate the hope of seeing her once again.
Bob & Argie Davis says
We know that you don’t know us, but we knew your mother and thought she was a wonderful person. we enjoyed talking to her and we would be honored to come to her funeral, but we’re out of state for a few months and won’t be able to attend. our prayers will be with you and your family. Bob & Argie Davis, Conway, Ark.
Gary Flatow says
You have given so much to us all. You were so helpful with my mom when she was racing my brother, myself and when she was sick. We will all miss you.
Love to all
marilyn delger says
My thoughts are with Sharon and her family. Sharon was immensely proud of Dolly even when she was in one of her “spunky” stages. Her mom had amazing perseverance and independence. I know Dolly will be greatly missed.
Sue MacPherson says
How delightful to read Dolly’s life story, and what a life it was!
She is still beautiful at 90 plus years young.
Sharon, your family will have great memories to share.
My only contact with Dolly was when we rented her condo at Big Sky years ago and she was fun to visit with.
My thoughts are with you especially at this time
NANCY NICKOVICH says
Dolly was one of the most wonderful people I have ever met, she had so many friends that are sadden by her passing ,there will never be another dolly .I cherish the times we spent together at the village inn pizza I miss you my dear friend.
Peg lenon says
I have heard many Dolly stories and have loved her spunk and energy. Dolly was fiercely independent, her spirit continues in her descendants. Her strength lives on! I am sure you all will Cherish your memories. Our thoughts are with you!
Jane Hawks says
Dear Sharon, what a vibrant, life-loving mom you had. Her spirit should be a model for all of us. You will surely miss her, but you will know that she left this life having enjoyed it to the fullest. May you smile with every memory of her.
Don Ledesma says
Hello, my name is Don Ledesma. I work at Village Inn Pizza and only knew Dolly a short 6 months. In those 6 months we grew a friendship that will forever be in my heart. My fondest memory of Dolly is when a few weeks ago it was blizzarding out and was below zero outside. Dolly asked if I had a jacket and I did not. She insisted that I take her coat and wear it home…She said, “I’m a tough ol gal and you need it more than I do.” I took the coat after she wouldn’t take no for an answer. I walked home…a 200 pound guy who wears an XXL, wrapped up in a small, possibly medium jacket. Such a small gesture of kindness and compassion that will forever be with me the rest of my life that came from a sweet petite tought ol gal with a heart the size of Montana
Judy Meagher says
This is for you, Sharon, as I am thinking about you. I did not know your mother but I do know you and the rest of the family and want you to know that I care.
Glenn Crowe says
Thank you Sharon for sharing your mother with me for all the years we have known each other. What a spunky person she was. I’ve enjoyed all the stories of her fiesty attitude towards life!
Mary Mike (McCullough) Phelps says
Dearest Sharon & Family.
We were so sad to hear of Dollys passing. What a GREAT gal she was!! Have such wonderful memories of you when you were little and of Dolly and Bob when they lived next door to my folks (Wilbur & Rosanne) and also to us when we lived on the other side of them. Hadn’t seen her for a few years, but she was always beautiful and so friendly. She sure was one of a kind and the world is a sadder place without her in it. Our very best to you now and always.
With Love
A.Darlene Sullivan says
Dear Sharon and family, I was saddened to hear of your Mom’s death. I am so happy that she had such a special daughter and talented grand children who all adored her. I am sorry that I was never priviledged to know her. Her biography is so inspiring. I know she will be missed. Treasure those wonderful memories.
Tylene Cato says
Dolly was a wonderful person who always had a beautiful smile and a kind word, I had the privilage of knowing Dolly and Emil when they used to come into Gilly’s Casino many years ago . She always made those around her feel important. She always spoke highly of her wonderful family and was so proud of them. She will be greatly missed. Tylene Cato
Karen R. Rogers says
We often heard of you speak about your Mother at our retired Willson School Luncheons. It would have been a pleasure to know her. With all of the losses Dolly had in her life she cetainly maintained a very cheerful outlook. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Karen and Jack Rogers
Rhonda Strainer-Score says
To Dolly’s Family and Friends,
I knew Dolly when she would come in to see Dr. Skip Score. I was his office-manager, and also his wife. Her twinkling eyes and pepsident smile lit up the room. Skip just adored her and they shared many jokes and you could hear them laughing clear out in the waiting room. I also knew her from the Federal Reserve Bank where I also worked for a short time. Everyone just loved Dolly! When I think of Dolly I rememer that she was one of those people that always had a kind word for all and a gentleness about her that eased your soul, and it was so genuine! Wishing that all the wonderful memories you hold close to heart will sustain you in the difficult days ahead.
Rhonda Strainer-Score
Gail DeBono says
I’m so sorry about Dolly! I loved talking with her when she came into the pharmacy. I will miss her quick thinking and fun stories.
Gail