Elaine Verdon, a life-long Montana resident, died Wednesday (Oct. 13) at the Touchmark memory care unit in Helena after suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 91 years old.
She was born Iris Elaine Hendrickson on Dec. 1, 1929, in Malta in the middle of a brutal winter season. Her parents, Alfred and Alice Hendrickson, lived on a small farm about 14 miles to the south. Two weeks after her birth, Alfred built a shelter over the seat of his sleigh, loaded it with blankets and hot rocks and drove Alice and Elaine home over snow-drifted roads behind a two-horse team in sub-zero temperatures.
At an early age, Elaine learned how to play cards, drink coffee and play the piano. She always loved music, and farm community camaraderie helped Elaine develop a good wit and great sense of humor.
After graduating from high school and spending some time at college in Bozeman, Elaine returned to Malta. She got a job in the accounting office of the Ford dealership. It was while she was working there that she met a new Malta resident, a young newspaper reporter named Paul Verdon. They liked to tell their children that they met over a liverwurst sandwich, a food that Paul loved and Elaine hated. They were married in 1952.
Paul’s career took them to Great Falls and Helena, but in 1960, they purchased The Western News, the weekly newspaper in Libby. Although Elaine was often busy managing their growing family, she was an active partner with Paul and after her children were in school, she spent many hours helping put out at the newspaper and handling much of the accounting at The Western News. They sold the newspaper in 1979 and moved to Helena the following year. Elaine worked for Hennessy’s there but also spent many happy hours hunting for antiques and checking out Helena’s garage sales.
Elaine and Paul travelled in their retirement years, but her true passions were her five children, their spouses and the grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Lexie Barr in Arlington, Virginia; Robert in Plano, Texas; Tim in Fort Worth, Texas; and Mike in Missoula, their spouses, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law Eva Mae Hendrickson and her friend and caregiver, Marie Fowler. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul; her son, Kenneth; and her brother, Russell Hendrickson.
Our family would like to thank all of the wonderful staff at Touchmark for their care of Elaine.
A memorial service celebrating Elaine’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 19th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave in Helena. Burial will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11 a.m.
Tuesday October 19, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday October 19, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11 a.m.
Tuesday October 19, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday October 19, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Sharon Brown says
The sad passing of one of my dearest cousins. Elaine’s spirit was a joy and she will be missed by all who knew her.
In fond remembrance:
Sharon Hendrickson Brown,
Cousin
Greg and Barbara says
We remember Elaine’s warm hospitality, her generous heart, her thoughtful listening, and most of all her kindness. Our prayers are with all of you.
Shanelle Forty says
I was a caregiver/hairstylist for Elaine at Touchmark in 2013-14.
Of the 9 or so years of cna work I had, Elaine was one of my favorite ladies. She was so kind and had just the right amount of spice and witt. I have a photo with her and we’re both laughing in it. It was a day after I gave her a shampoo set and she looked in the mirror and said “I look like George Washington” we both busted out laughing, it was the perfect live action selfie! I think about her often and am saddened to hear this news. She touched many hearts and will be missed.
Norm and Marylou says
When we think of Elaine, we picture her smiling. Warm-hearted and devoted to her family, she had a quiet presence — neither wanting nor seeking the limelight. Yet her enthusiasm and laughter brightened the day of anyone fortunate enough to be around her. The world needs more people like that. Elaine, you will be missed. Sending love to the entire family.
David L. Kirchner says
R.I.P., Sweetified Elaine.
If Steve, the handsome husband of your most lovely and beautiful daughter Lexie, did not teach you how to “Get Th’ Down The Middle” while you were down here on Earth, then I will teach you how to “Get Th’ Down The Middle” when (if?) I get up to Heaven. If I never make it up there (some of my old college buddies have expressed serious doubts about my prospects), then Steve & Lexie can do it for me/for you. After all, Steve is a grand master of the Middle Method.
With Much Love,
~David
Doug Stipcich says
To the entire Verdon clan.
A person is going to have to look long and far to find another individual as sweet as your mother. I am sad to learn of her passing, but as Lexi and I have spoken, she is now reunited with Paul and Ken and I am sure she is happy about that. I don’t recall ever seeing her without a smile on her face. Her innocence was part of her charm. I won’t go into details, but instead suffice it to say that even though she didn’t know the true meaning behind it, she bought into one of the nicknames two of the Verdon brothers called me by when we were in college. Rest in Peace Mrs. Verdon.
Susan Beebe Bradway says
To the Verdon family our neighbors on Kaniksu St. I have wonderful memories of your mother being a kind, generous, and wise woman. I had the pleasure of visiting her about seven years ago when I was touring Touchmark and saw her name on a door. She was just as warm and inviting as I remembered her. Her sense of humor was intact as she recalled her visits with my mother and how she would ask mom what was for dinner at our house so she knew what to cook for her family. What a beautiful person.
Nan Walter says
My parents, Betty and Lyndly Nelson, had a lot of fun with your parents over their many years of friendship. I remember their smiling faces and quick wit. Take care and God’s Blessings Always. Lovingly, Nan Nelson Walter