Our loving Mother, Grandmother (Grani), and Sister passed away Sunday March 23, 2014 in Helena at the age of 97, surrounded by her family.
She was born born in Twin Valley, MN on November 5, 1916 to John O and Gina M (Anderson) Hellerud.
Eleanor grew up in Twin Valley, MN graduating from High School in 1934. While growing up and after graduating from high school, she worked at her father’s main street Club Café in Twin Valley, MN.
She married Kenneth Largis on July 5, 1938. To this union 2 son’s were born, Jerry and Jon. For the next 27 years she lived in Western North and South Dakota as the wife of a Sheep Rancher and Mail Carrier. Eleanor started her married life in a dug out- rock modified house on the banks of the Grand River in Harding County South Dakota. Later moving to a ranch north of Amidon,ND. The next move was back to Ludlow, SD living there until 1965.
A new adventure began when Kenneth and Eleanor sold the ranch at Ludlow, SD and moved to Billings, MT. Her new career found her at Parker Livestock Supply the next 19 years. No doubt a very memorable time of her life as she enjoyed meeting new people. With a background in ranch and farm life, she embraced challenges and the competition always with a smile. After retiring from Parker Livestock her next step in life was with AARP as Safe Driver Trainer for Senior’s and AARP Widowed Persons Services for the next 10 years.
Eleanor moved from Billings, MT to Helena, MT in 2002 to be closer to her family. She continued to be involved in AARP activities as a volunteer. As her health declined, she moved to the Masonic Home of Helena in February 2010, being a resident there until her death. A special thank you is given to Masonic Home of Montana and Rocky Mountain Hospice for her care.
Her favorite activities were traveling to visit friends and family. If you asked her if she wanted to go on a trip, her bag was packed she was ready right now to get into your car or to hop on a plane! She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and with the help of her cousin’s she enjoyed visiting Norway searching out her roots. She especially enjoyed telling Norwegian Ole and Lena jokes. Eating Lefse was a family favorite. Mom was an awesome cook, loved to entertain and made the best apple pies. She was proficient in working crossword puzzles and creating beautiful cross stitch pieces.
Eleanor had a wide circle of friends with a lifelong and special friendship with the Thompson Families. One highlight of her life was a personal invitation to the Inauguration of President Lyndon Johnson and Vice President Hubert Humphrey (January 20, 1965).
Eleanor’s life was not without trials and hardships, but she embraced life, making the best of each day. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Largis, son Jerry Largis, and granddaughter Brenda Largis. Sisters Harriet Hager, Aileen Ewoldt, brothers John Hellerud, and Gordon Hellerud.
Eleanor is survived by one son Jon (Bonnie) Largis, Helena, MT, sister Margaret Calender Grand Forks, ND, Granddaughter Tammy (Craig) Wilkins Spokane, WA, Grandson Daryl (Carla) Largis Lockport, NY, Great Grandchildren Calvin Wilkins, Kenny Wilkins, Olivia Largis and Abby Largis. Sister In-Law Evelyn Schmitz Valley City, ND and special nieces, nephews and cousins. A dear, caring friend Billie Rogne in Helena.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 11:30 A.M. at Anderson Stevenson- Wilke Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:30 PM with a luncheon reception immediately following the service in the dining room.
Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 7100 N.Montana Ave, Helena, MT.
The family will receive friends beginning at 11:30 a.m. with a funeral service to begin at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will immediately follow in the social hall at the funeral home. Interment will follow the reception at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorials in Eleanor’s name are suggested to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, c/o Algeria Shrine Temple, PO Box 4879, Helena, MT 59604.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thursday March 27, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
12:30 p.m.
Thursday March 27, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday March 27, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Interment
Following the Reception
Thursday March 27, 2014
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thursday March 27, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
12:30 p.m.
Thursday March 27, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday March 27, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Interment
Following the Reception
Thursday March 27, 2014
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Wayne Welch Jr says
I remember Eleanor giving me large marshmallows at old Ludlow place every time we visited.
I was 4 or 5 years old. This was like in 1958-1959. We were Kenneth and Eleanors closest neighbors , 3/4 mile to the west.
Kaye Smith says
Johnny I am very sorry about your mom I loved her very much. I loved your folks they were a big part of my life growing up. There will never be another ELEANOR you take care and we love very much.
Kaye
Carla Largis says
Grani gave me the best advice when I married her grandson, Daryl. She said to always be interested in what he was doing (even if I really wasn’t!) and to go with him wherever he went, even if it was just an errand, so that he would know that I support him. She modeled that respect and loyalty to her family. And oh how she adored her great-grandkids! She made them feel so special.
Joe Palczewski says
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS A VERY SMART AND PROUD LADY AND KEPT IN TOUCH WITH MY GRANDMA WELCH AND ALL THAT WAS HAPPENING IN LUDLOW. I WILL PRAY FOR Y’ALL IN YOUR TIME OF GRIEF.