Lela Faye Kaiser (Newell) age 76, of Helena, passed away Wednesday morning, August 17, 2022, at the Granite County Medical Facility in Phillipsburg. Her humor, beauty, spark and sharp wit drew admiration by anyone who met her.
Lela was born in Oak Creek Colorado November 30, 1945, she then moved to Montana and attended high school in Shelby Montana. After graduation, she went to beauty school, and was married to Robert Naslund. She later married Wendell McGillivray and traveled to Europe, lived in Rommersheim Germany and Naples Italy. Her memories of days on the beach of the Mediterranean ocean, walking in Mount Vesuvius, the fruit gardens of Italy, and so much of Rome were some of her most fond memories of that time.
She married Mike Kaiser in 1972 and together they raised both her and his children while with Lela’s expertise in money management skills, Mike Kaiser appliance service, they had within 5 years built their dream home on 20 acres in the North Valley. A worrisome time during this, when the well was deep and no water still. They prayed on the land for God’s blessing and the following day they hit water at the 2nd fastest well in the north valley at the time. Lela was a believer in God and his son Jesus.
They later divorced but remained close friends’ “others” will know this per grandma wishes”. Lela was the most adventurous of spirits, a hard worker, and a big heart. She was a Slalom water skier, best jerky maker every hunting season, canned her own food, she loved the outdoors, riding 4-wheelers, camping, and loved to explore Marysville, MT
Lela also worked at House of Wong for 20 years where she made many friendships over the years with those she worked with, and many in the community who only wanted to be seated in “Lela’s station”!
Lela was an animal rescue advocate and had several of her own that she had rescued. It was known for animals in the area to come visit her on a regular basis, some of which she took in permanently when needed.
She was preceded in death by her sister Mary Ann Wolery.
Lela is survived by her mother Mary Hake, her sister Betty Offerdahl (Ramsey), her aunt and uncle; Steve and Shirley Bebich, her children; daughter Peggy Naslund and son Steve Kaiser, her grandchildren; Vince Luparell, Jennifer Luparell, Jacob Naslund and great-grandson Jackson Wilmoth. She also leaves her half-poodle Toby (Thank you Darren) and dearest friends Connie Hiett, Darren Kaighn and Lynda Johnson.
A gathering for friends and family will be held Saturday, September 24th, Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home & Crematory in Helena from 1-3.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday September 24, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday September 24, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Connie Hiett says
What a loss we all are feeling over our dear friend Lela. What laughter she added to my life. She was such an intelligent woman. Darren and I loved going to her home and listen to the stories of her life and her love for her family. She will always be in my heart. May you Rest In Peace.
Lynda Lux Johnson says
So many memories with Lela, from Kindergarten to the present! We lived in Havre, and she lived in Chinook. We lived in Helena at the time. Camped, Boated, and water skiied together! We have one special memory of This!!😀 😳 Then as Single gals in our older years– we were once again friends back in Helena!! Many OF us At SHS Have Memories of Lela getting US in TROUBLE— when SHE WAS THE INSTAGATOR‼😳😀😀 Love ya Lela❤❤
Laura D'Avis says
I will never forget Lela’s infectious smile and spunky spirit, through good times and not so good, she could always make me laugh! The memory’s I will always cherish! I see her sitting with her hat and saying “I miss your face”!
Lynn Moon says
So sorry for your loss. May fond memories carry the family through the tough times. Doug, Lynn and Heidi Moon