Lois Adele Winfield Phernetton was born in Helena, Montana, on November 15, 1924. At the age of 98, Lois passed away peacefully on the afternoon of June 13, 2023.
Lois was an outgoing, compassionate, and adventurous person with many interests in life. She grew up in Helena, Montana, and attended Northern Montana State College before entering the University of Idaho. Her career with the Federal Government began with the Veterans Administration in Spokane, continuing with the Department of State in Washington, D.C., the Foreign Service in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and she retired from USAF at McChord AFB, Tacoma, Washington. She and her husband traveled extensively including trips to Europe, Israel (the Holy Land), Canada, Mexico, and many U.S. states including Alaska and Hawaii.
Lois was an active member of her parish communities at Holy Rosary and Our Lady Queen of Heaven in Tacoma. She taught religious education many years, she sang in the choirs, and she served in pastoral care ministries. She also tutored elementary students. Lois loved to write poetry, and published her book of poetry as well as writing articles for several magazines.
Lois moved back to Helena, Montana in 2017, and became a member of the St. Mary’s parish community where she made many new friends. She resided at Vista Square apartments where she lead a bible study group and enjoyed the company of her dear friends there.
Lois was married in 1971 to Robert (Bob) Phernetton who passed away in 2006. Lois was also preceded in death by her father, Joseph Winfield; mother, Katherine Winfield; brothers, Joe Winfield, Harold (Fuzz) Winfield, and Don Winfield.
Lois is survived by her sister-in-law, Patricia Winfield and many nieces, nephews, and cousins in Montana and Washington.
A Memorial Service is being held on Monday, June 26, 2023 at the 12:10 Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Community Church, 1700 Missoula Ave, with a Reception to follow downstairs in the social hall. The family will then process to Resurrection Cemetery for burial.
Click here to read Lois Phernetton’s Memoir >
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:10
Monday June 26, 2023
St. Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena,
Graveside Service
Following the Luncheon
Monday June 26, 2023
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, MT
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:10
Monday June 26, 2023
St. Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena,
Graveside Service
Following the Luncheon
Monday June 26, 2023
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, MT
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Shannon Bartole says
I am very sorry to hear of Lois’s passing. I really enjoyed visiting with her.
Shannon Bartole
Ronald Green says
Lois was married to my uncle Bob. I did not get to see Lois very often but when I did she so very nice and thoughtful to me . Lois has a good spot with God.
Joseph Castleberry Winfield says
Lois is my cousin, but I did not have the pleasure of meeting her. After reading her obituary, she sounds like a wonderful person. Over 40 years ago, she helped my brother and me locate our dad (James Russell Winfield). My mother and dad divorced when my mother was pregnant with me and I didn’t meet my dad until I was 25. He died about four months after our only in person meeting. I’m grateful for Lois’s help to make that reunion possible.I would love to communicate with any family members that might be interested.