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On the first day of Spring, March 19, 2020, Heaven gained a beautiful spring flower, Laura Ruth Tinsley, 87. She passed away at the Beehive Home in Great Falls, MT from chronic respiratory issues. Mom was born December 30, 1932 in Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada to Earl and Alberta Farris. She joined her sister Ann, who promptly put her in a baby buggy and took her to the top of a hill and let her go!
The family moved to Kevin, MT in the thirties. Her dad worked in the oilfields where he was seriously injured. Mom could remember the accident and life after the accident very well even though she was only 5 years old. During his recovery her mom and dad bought a “saloon”. Mom always told people she grew up in a “saloon”! Ironically mom worked as a bar maid in a “saloon”!
Mom married our dad, Gene Tinsley, on June 5, 1950. They spent their early years living in Ferdig, MT. Dad worked in the oilfields while mom was a stay at home mom to five kids. Our house had no indoor plumbing therefore she had to haul water to the “wash house” so she could wash diapers for us. Keep in mind she had at least 3 of us in diapers at the same time.
Dad joined the Highway Patrol in 1960 moving the family to Great Falls where we made our home until 1965. Mom made lifelong friendships while living in Great Falls as did us kids. Mom’s youngest son Gary was killed as a result of a drunk driver. She carried that sorrow the rest of her life. Dad’s job took us to Lincoln where she started her career with the Forest Service. She truly enjoyed her job. She paved the way for women of today being the first female allowed in many aspects of her job. She worked her way up to finance chief on a class 2 fire team. This job took her on many fires, some in state and some out of state. During her career she worked in Lincoln, Helena, Dutch John UT and Seeley Lake. She retired in 1987. Mom made lifelong friends wherever she lived and worked.
After our Dad passed away, she decided to travel. Her first stop was Ireland. Her second stop was Ireland. She also went to Hawaii. One year she took us girls to Washington DC. It was a trip of a lifetime.
She spent many hours volunteering at the Military Museum located at Fort Harrison. One of the displays she worked on was that of her Uncle George. She donated his Marine Corp uniform and stories he wrote while a “guest” of the emperor of Japan. He was a POW during World War II. She made many good friends there and always brought them her shortbread cookies and pretzel rolo cookies.
There is a big hole in our hearts without her, but we know Mom would like us to cherish the memories we have, live to make more memories and be kind, giving and compassionate and give lots of hugs.
Mom is preceded in death by her parents Earl and Alberta Farris; in laws Bud and Dean Tinsley; husband Gene Tinsley; son Gary Tinsley; granddaughter Vicki Schwenke; grandson Gary Jacobson; sister and brother-in-law Ann and Marvin McDonald; and nephews Scott and Rob McDonald.
She is survived by her children: Patricia Schwenke, Anne Jacobson (Tom), Mick Tinsley, and Mary Knaup (Dennis); grandchildren Trina Knaup Byrum (Joe), Deanna Suta, Elizabeth Jacobson Clinch (Steve), Kari Trexler (Reed), Wesley Tinsley (Becky); and great grandchildren: Dakota, Starla, Willy Suta, Maddy and Owen Clinch, Branden Byrum, Cole and Cash Trexler.
Memorials are suggested to the Montana Hope Project PO Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604, God’s Love 533 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT, 59601 or Helena Food Share P.O. Box 943, Helena, MT 59624. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena, with a reception to follow in the social hall of the funeral home.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Laura.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 22, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the celebration of life
Wednesday July 22, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 22, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the celebration of life
Wednesday July 22, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Bridger Veterinary Hospital says
To all of laura’s Family,
We are sorry to hear of Laura’s passing. She was one of our first clients and soon became one of our favorite people in the world. She had wonderful stories and even better shortbread. Laura always brought Shar fresh braided sweet grass and she still has the last braid hanging by her desk.
With thoughts and prayers,
Everyone here at Bridger Veterinary Hospital
Judy Gardner says
Sorry to hear of Laurie’s passing. I used to work for the Forest Service in Helena and new her and then s few years ago we had lunch together a few times and got reacquainted. I liked her a lot and wished we would have kept in contact. My condolences
Brenda McLellan says
In my mind’s eye, I see Laura climbing over stone walls to stone circles and trekking through peat bogs in Ireland. She was an intrepid traveler and pilgrim of life’s journey. She will always be a gift in my life.
Marla Meyers says
My heart goes out to all of Laura’s family and friends. Ron and I have really enjoyed knowing Laura starting in the late 1970’s. We are deeply saddened by her death, but we are so glad that we had so many Thanksgivings and other wonderful visits along the way. She was a wonderful, gracious and fun lady! Laura will be greatly missed. We are very privileged that we had the opportunity to be friends with Laura.
Leona Zaharko says
I’m so very sorry to learn of your great loss. She was a beautiful lady. I first met Laura at a Grief Support Group we both attended more than 20 years ago. We stayed in contact at the retail store I worked in.
Michael May says
I would like to extend my condolences to Laura’s family. I first met Laura through a mutual friend when I first came to Montana. We both eventually worked at the Montana Military Museum and our friendship grew through that experience. She also worked her “holistic” healing on myself and my wife. She was a great lady and we had many discussions on many different things. She was, and is missed at the Museum and our prayers go out to her family.
Mary Jane Fay says
My condolences to all Laura‘a family. She was such a wonderful person! Memories of Laura and her smile will
be with me always.
Cindy Baril says
Laura was a wise & warm woman who brightned my life for many years working with her on the Women’s Walk to Emmaus here in Helena. I loved her stories & humor.
My deepest sympathy to her family & friends. She was a gift for us all.
Becky Francis says
Annie & Family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your mom. I don’t believe I ever saw her without a smile on her face, a twinkle in her eyes and a kind word to those around her. She absolutely lit up a room when she walked in and everyone knew immediately that this was a woman who enjoyed life and savored every precious moment. I also know that her love for her family was unequivocal and I’m sure she absolutely adored her grandchildren. Please take comfort in knowing that she enriched the lives of all those she came in contact with and she will be watching over all of you and sharing your joys and triumphs and whispering words of encouragement when you encounter difficulties. She will be missed by many!!
Becky Knudson Francis
San Antonio, TX
Constance Cole says
My husband and I volunteered with Laura at the Military Museum and greatly appreciated the contribution she made to our museum family. We loved to hear her stories and particularly loved her shortbread cookies. We will remember her fondly.
Kathie Roos says
Laura was always ready with a smile and time to talk, especially during Walk to Emmaus meetings and weekends! I will miss her conversations and the light she radiated. She left a legacy through friends, family and deeds. Blessings to all family and friends.
Carol & Steve Athearn says
Anne, Liz and the rest of the family, Laura and Gene were some of the first people I met in 1972 when I moved to Helena. Steve knew them long before that. They were very special people. We’re so sorry for your loss and pray this Coronavirus scare is over very soon so we can give you hugs and visit more. Our love to you all. We will miss Laura.
Dick and Terrie Lyman says
Laura was such a sweet lady. She has her angle wings now and suffers no more. You were all so blessed to have her in your life.
Our condolences to you all. Dick and Terrie Lyman
Barbara Stevens says
Laura was a wonderful person. She was my boss when I worked for the Forest service in Lincoln. Loved that lady and her family. My prayers are with all of them 🙏🙏🙏❤️.
Viki Garman says
I was so saddened to hear of Laura’s passing. She was such an inspiration in our Compassionate Friends Group. Laura showed all of us that life does go on after losing a child AND in a very meaningful way. Her forever smile and that beautiful twinkle will be greatly missed. Our loss is heaven’s gain! Prayers and blessings.
Carol A Holland says
So sorry to hear of Laura’s passing. She was a fine lady and a lot of fun. I certainly have fond memories which I hold dear to my heart. Her shortbread cookies truly were the best and she even gave me the recipe many years ago. Guess I should make a batch in her honor! My condolences to Mary and Dennis and all the family. You are in my heart and my prayers. Laura, may you rest in peace in the arms of the Lord. You will be missed.
Rick Later says
With SINCERE SYMPATHY, R.I.P.
Rick & Cooky Latet
Kimberly Hurtle says
Laura was a member of our cardio rehab group. She was my cheerleader. I started in 2003 and exercised there until I became too ill in 2014. She was always a bright smile and source of encouragement. A good storyteller, she shared her stories of life in Lincoln, Montana and her home in Kevin, Montana. One I won’t forget was about sewing a new priest’s vestments for his ordination. I was a younger heart patient and she offered me the strength to continue on. I am saddened to hear of her passing.
carla tevis says
Anne, I am so sorry for your loss, your mother was a lovely person.
Jessyca says
Oh my sweet sweet girl. I miss you every moment of every day. You brought so much light into my life and into every room. I miss you so so much and love you bunches. I’ll never forget those scowling eyes you’d shoot right at me when I would remind you about your walker. I miss the hugs you would give me every time you would see me, and how you would always remind me to smile. My girl, I miss you so so much and I will never forget you. You will always have a special spot in my heart! I love you!!
Jim Hogan says
Laura, a warm, sweet, kind, lovely lady, Rest In Peace.
Bev Roope says
Prayers and thoughts for your family. It was a joy to get to know Laura and hear about he life and her families lives. I had first met Laura and family many years ago when her young grandson was ill. fast forward 20 plus years and againmgot to see her frequently and get caught up on-her family. short bread cookies at her house and sweet grass from up north. I Loved hearing about her earlier life with the Forest Service. . She was a great lady thanks for sharing her.
Dave Lewis says
I worked as an accountant on the Helena National Forest in The 1960’s. One of my duties was to help the District Clerks with budgets etc. I always looked forward to my trips to Lincoln. I had to audit the petty cash monthly. It was nickels and dimes and Laura would always make a small mistake and challenge me to find it. I always enjoyed the chance to visit with Laura and hear her stories.
We kept in touch through the years and she was always a joy to see. RIP good friend.
Lynne Maierle says
Laura & I we’re pilgrims together in Ireland.
She was always willing to share her wisdom & faith. Losing a son & grandson made her wise beyond her years. She loved her husband Gene & was so proud of his contributions to everyone he helped as a Highway Patrolman. She gave each of us nurses in the Cardio-Pulmonary Unit earring made from the buttons from Gene’s uniforms. Laura gave herself to the nursing students @ Carroll. She allowed them to listen to her heart & lung sounds! She passed her love of life with all its difficulties on to so many.
Dianne Hoffman says
Anne and Family
Our condolences for your loss. Laura was the first person to greet my husband and I as we moved to her neighborhood in Helena. Over the years we had many wonderful conversations about her life. It was discovered in her stories that we were next door neighbors in Great Falls also during the 1964 flood which impacted us. Her stories about Sweetgrass Mt and the oilfields resulted in a gift from Laura of a braid of sweetgrass. She was always so friendly and giving. I will always have the fondest memories of your mother and her loving kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.