Doris “Pudda” Henderson passed away on January 19, 2026 with her family by her side. She was born in Sidney Montana on November 19, 1944 to Jack and Myrtle Gray. Pudda’s dad was a contractor so the family moved to different cities in Montana. Pudda spent her high school years in Great Falls, MT and graduated from Great Falls High in 1962. After graduation, she met her husband Marvin Henderson, who was working for her father. They were married on March 14,1964. Their beautiful daughter Quinci was born later that year. They moved to Helena after Marvin got a job with the State of Montana Highway Department.
Pudda went to beauty school and became a great hairdresser. Then she decided to go back to school to become a teacher and worked at Lincoln School for a while. Pudda then worked for School District #1 in Helena as a bookkeeper. Pudda’s “strong” voice gave her the opportunity to announce sporting events in Helena for several years.
She enjoyed and loved several activities throughout the years that included snowmobiling, water skiing, and traveling with friends to watch football games. She enjoyed being with her friends and family on their houseboat with a cold Rainier in hand. For the past 50 years, Marvin and Pudda travelled twice a year to Las Vegas to gamble and see the shows.
Pudda is preceded in death by her parents Jack and Myrtle Gray and her sister in law Diana Gray. She is survived by: her husband of 61 years, Marvin Henderson of Helena, her daughter Quinci (Michael) Noble of Helena her grandchildren Cameron Noble, Hailey (Rob) Feagans, Nashea (Brad) Enyeart all of Couer d’ Alene Idaho and Erica Noble of Salem Oregon, four loving great grandchildren Kyla, Avery, Everett and Brielle, and her brothers Gary Gray of Billings and John Gray of Helena as well as her many special nieces and nephews. A special thanks to her dear friends who sat with her daily at the hospital, Susan Grovom and Jan Leding.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Lewis and Clark Humane Society or charity of your choice.
Celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 12:00 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home. A reception will be held Downstairs at the Brewhouse following the burial at Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday January 30, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Burial
1:30 pm
Friday January 30, 2026
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
Funeral Reception
Following Graveside Service
Friday January 30, 2026
Basement of Brewhouse
939 Getchell Street
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday January 30, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Burial
1:30 pm
Friday January 30, 2026
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
Funeral Reception
Following Graveside Service
Friday January 30, 2026
Basement of Brewhouse
939 Getchell Street
Helena, MT 59601
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Shelly Holum says
Sending Hugs and Prayers to all of Pudda’s family and friends
Kim - Henry Flatow says
Marvin and Quincy- our deepest sympathy to your entire family. It was such a pleasure to be a small part of Pudda’s life for the last 48 years. She was an incredible woman. Gods blessing on you at this time.
Kelleen Blake says
Saddened to hear of Pudda’s passing. She was a wonderful woman and she’ll be missed dearly. Her nickname for me was “cricket” and I loved that. Her contagious laugh always brought a smile to my face. Love ya Pudda!
Kathleen Broussard says
Quinci and Family
We are so very sorry about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Hugs and Prayers!
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Debbie Benton says
Hugs to you Quinci and your family! You are in our thoughts and prayers! Your mom was a beautiful person. I’m so glad I had the privilege of knowing her. We had a lot of good times at your house growing up much love, Debbie and Bryce❤️🙏🏻
Betsy Phillips says
This morning I woke up to find out Pudda, my long time friend had passed away. There are no words to express how sad I am. She was such a bright light in our friends group. Marvin, Quinci , and family she was a special person to so many but her love for you will always be there. God Bless, I love you and will keep you in my heart and prayers. 😢😘
Coni (Pouliot) Wendling says
Pudda was such a beautiful, sweet lady ❤️ I’ll always cherish the fond memories of growing up with her contagious laugh and incredible JOY. She will truly be missed. Sending all my love and prayers to you, Quinci and Marvin, and your family. God bless.
Jeanne Visser Tiddy Sauer says
Such beautiful and fun memories I have of Pudda. First at Lincoln school, where I was one of the recipients of her kind and bubbly help, as an aide. Then as the “den mom” of all of Quinci’s friends. Always providing a safe and fun place to hang out and making the BEST popcorn ever ! A chaperone for high school trips. A laugh, a hug and always kindness.
My deepest condolences, Quinci and family. Sending you all, much love.
Jeanne Visser Sauer
Elaine Bertrand says
Quincy, Sending prayers and hugs on the passing of your sweet mom.
Colette Maddio Strizich says
Pudda was a great person. She was always so kind and lots of fun to be around. I’ll never forget how kind she was to me when I was a little kid.
Lyn “Boosamon” Borsheim Meyers says
Pudda and I were life-long friends, her grandfather gave us our hysterical nicknames in junior high and they stuck all these years. She remained my closest long distance friend throughout the years and will be missed terribly. My heart goes out to Marvin and Quinci, God bless you all and the family, hugs from Lyn, Jason and Brandon
Tom Naegele says
Marvin, Quinci, Family & Friend
Pudda, in my life, is one of a Kind & Loving one. She celebrated life and everyone felt touched as she freely gave her enthusiasm and joy of life to all or whomever she met. In my future whenever the air or heavens are filled with a special sky scape, lightning/thunder or the Aurora Borealis I will be aware or sense her looking down on us ALL . Thanks to GOD for continuing to touch and guide my life with folks like Pudda 😇. RIP 🙏Till we meet again 🥳
Phyllis Pettapiece Ryan says
Ah, yes, “Pudda the Hairdresser”. Blonde highlights would be wonderful. As a shy sophomore I was spared appearing in class with green hair after consults with cohorts. Only one of many…thank you for the memories, Daurice. Condolences friends and family.
Bridget Disburg says
My aunt Pudda (Marvin and Quinci too) made everything fun, special and memorable. She was a straight shooter! Told it like it was! Glass half full kinda gal! I will forever cherish the memories.
Ryan Grovom says
Marvin and Quinci, we send our thoughts and prayers to you. We were saddened to hear of Pudda passing, we have so many great memories, she always brought laughter and joy to every occasion. What a beautiful soul, we will miss her dearly. God bless you both, may the Lord give you comfort and strength.
Love Ryan and Jenni
Marilyn Connor says
Its hard to just say Pudda without saying “Marvin and Pudda” because they were always together. i have truly never thought about her without smiling about the laughs we all had throughout the years.. It was a great gift Ronnie and Susan gave our family introducing us to the Hendersons. Pudda will always be in your hearts and will be watching over you til you are together once again. God bless our dear Pudda, Marvin and Quincy and the rest of the family at this difficult time. He blesses the rest of us with the wonderful memories we have.
Diane Eodice says
Dear Quinci and family ,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with her. She was such an upbeat, joyful person. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane Eodice
Sandra Lee Gilbert says
Our darling friend, Pudda. I can’t stand the thought of beautiful marvelous sweet and funny Pudda parting from our lives. Spirits never die so we will embrace her at our own appointed time. There where Pudda has been set free to live in our sweet heavenly home. So sorry, Quincy and Marvin. Darn it. Lord, please, numb our hearts and thoughts as we get used to this very painful separation…… PUDDA!! You are AMAZING!!!! SO BLESSED TO KNOW YOU. WHAT A GAL!!!
Janet Jacobs Neumiller says
So sorry to hear of Pudda’s passing. I will never forget her being Dolly Parton at one of our family birthday parties. She dressed the part and kept us all laughing. My thoughts and prayers to Quincy and Marvin. Rest in peace Pudda!
Nikki Johnson says
Dear Quinci – So sorry to read about your dear mom’s passing. Such a pretty and classy lady always! Take care, as I know you will miss her terribly! Sincerely- Nikki Johnson
Ralph Guay says
So sorry for your loss, Q.