On the morning of January 14, 2019 Lois passed away peacefully in her daughter’s arms due to complications related to pneumonia. She was 87 years old. Lois spent her last days in the care of her children and the attentive staff of Edgewood Assisted Living Center.
Lois Mae (Rummel) DeFord was born August 18, 1931 in Richardton, ND. Lois was the first of three girls of Carl and Inez Rummel. Lois grew up on the family farm and attended school in Richardton; following her graduation from high school she attended Nurses Training in Bismarck, ND. After completing her Registered Nurse (RN) license, Lois moved to Billings, MT to work for a local doctor.
Lois met her husband, Donald (Don) DeFord, on a blind date in Billings and they were married on December 23, 1953. Lois and Don had 4 children, DeeAnn, Byron, Lisa and Michelle; all born in Billings. The family moved to Helena, MT in 1961, building the family home on South Davis St. soon after arriving. Lois had a remarkable career as an RN with Shodair Crippled Children’s Hospital (later to become Shodair Children’s Hospital), soon being promoted to Nursing Supervisor and then serving the remainder of her time with Shodair as the Director of Nurses. Lois is remembered by many of the children she cared for and by their families. Throughout the years Lois brought several of these children to the family home on weekends as she couldn’t bear to have them living in the hospital without their families all week and then spend the weekend there. Lois retired from Shodair when the hospital moved from Helena Ave. to their current location and soon after started her sewing business, The DeFord Line. Lois sewed and mended for many of Helena’s residents and many area homes and businesses have her Warm Windows installed and still in use today; she sewed for others well into her 80’s.
Lois enjoyed being outdoors in Montana and the family spent many weekends camping in the Helena area and on family vacations. Lois loved walking around Helena and her time at Crossroads Health Club. Lois especially loved walking the trail on Davis Gulch which was built on land previously owned by Don and Lois; this trail is now known as the DeFord Trail. Lois was always an adventurous and extremely independent, capable woman, caring for her home and yard by herself after Don’s passing in 1992. Lois missed Don greatly but did not let his passing get in the way of living her life to the fullest. She travelled, spent time on trips and social outings with the OASIS group, and made new and lasting friendships. One such trip was on the Smith River where she canoed for the first time. Lois never learned to swim and expressed a fear of being in bodies of water for most of her life. Taking a canoe down a river was quite an achievement for her. Lois loved her life, her family and friends, and living in Montana.
Lois remained in the family home on South Davis Street until moving to Edgewood Senior Living Community in August of 2018. While her time in her new apartment was short, she enjoyed living there, especially her view of the Sleeping Giant. Edgewood was home to her and where she chose to transition to her next journey rather than passing in the hospital.
Lois is survived by her children: daughter, DeeAnn Jeschke, and her children, Erin (Matt) Tunstall of Hazel Green, AL and Regan (Sharayah) Clancy of Helena; her son, Byron (Claudia) of Helena, and his sons, Coner (Kayle) DeFord of Spokane, WA and Taylor DeFord of Phoenix, AZ; her daughter, Lisa (Larry) Murphy of Clancy, MT, and their children, Kevin Murphy of Missoula, MT and Molly (Madison) Murphy of Denver, CO; her daughter, Michelle (Jim) Mitchell of Helena, and their sons, Dr. Richard Mitchell of Helena and Mark (Nicole) Mitchell of Helena. She is also survived by her siblings: JoAnn Gill of Sheridan, WY and Debbie Engle of Kearney, NB. Lois has several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will miss her dearly. The family would also like to recognize Lois’s longtime special friend, Dave Arbenz, who steadfastly visited her until her passing. She was preceded in death by both parents and her husband, Don.
Our family wishes to extend special thanks to the caring staff of Edgewood for their extraordinary care of our Mom and of our family, especially during her last days. Our memories of these special people will bring us comfort always.
“I am walking on the trail.” – Lois DeFord. We’ll all meet you there one day Mom.
A memorial service celebrating Lois’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday January 21st at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 Park Ave. Interment will follow the service at St Peter’s Episcopal Cathedra where she will be laid to rest with her husband, Don. A reception will follow the interment in the fellowship hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lois’ name may be made to Shodair Children’s Hospital, Foundation Office, PO Box 5539 Helena, MT 59604 or St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Lois.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Monday January 21, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the Memorial Service
Monday January 21, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Interment
Monday January 21, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Monday January 21, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the Memorial Service
Monday January 21, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Interment
Monday January 21, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Susan Miles says
My thoughts go to Michelle and her family with the passing of Lois. Growing accustomed to the realization that she is gone will take time., but the celebration of her life will be a reminder that she is always with you.
Mary Phelps says
Dearest Michelle and family…Charlie and I are so very sorry to hear of your dear Moms passing.
You are in our prayers and we are here for you if there is anything we can do to help you.
Much Love
Charlie & Mike
Kate L. says
Lois has been a fixture of the neighborhood for so long it won’t be the same without her. Her and her family’s contribution to Helena, working with Randy Lilge of the City of Helena in the creation of the DeFord trail, is an achievement we all benefit from. I will miss her and our chats on the trail.
Jane Huff says
Lois and I shared our birth date together for many years. She was spunky, smart, adventurous, loving, caring, funny…the list goes on. I’m going to miss her so much and offer my sympathies as you learn to navigate life without her. Can’t forget her…
James and Penny Paddock says
Lois was indeed a shining light, particularly in the start-up of the OASIS organization chapter for singles in Helena, Montana. We both remember working with her on the newsletter postage, and going to large group dinners for singles at her home. She made the wedding shirts for our reception with we met and married out of the group, and of course danced with James at the reception. It will seem wrong to envision Montana without her; hope she has a wonderful time dancing in heaven. We will miss her, even though we have been gone from Montana for many years.
James & Penny Paddock
Kevin and Donna Forkan says
Dear Michelle and family~ we are very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Please know you all are in our prayers. Love, peace and comfort in your time of sorrow. Kevin and Donna Forkan
Dennis and Darlene Abeyta says
My thoughts and prayers go to you, Michelle and family. May you get peace from our Savior at this sad time.
Sally & Clyde Angove says
Our thoughts and prayers go to your family. We knew Lois from Crossroads Athletic Club and that she was a wonderful seamstress. After learning that we picked chokecherries for syrup, she graciously allowed us to pick from the bushes in her yard.
Scott St. Clair says
Byron you and yours are in my thoughts. One never knows what to say, Just keep the good memories in the fore front.
Linda Minkoff says
I’m heartbroken. Lois was a beautiful friend who blessed my heart. She will be missed. My loving thoughts to her wonderful family. Linda Minkoff
Marilyn Buck says
My heart goes out to you Michelle and your family. She was a very good woman. I know that my mom enjoyed working with her at Shodair and most recently at Edgewood. They enjoyed talking with each other during every meal.
Londa Routzahn Burns says
Michelle and family, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Catherine Ferguson says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Lois. I met Lois through OASIS. I enjoyed several river trips with Lois including the Smith River and the wild and scenic part of the Missouri River. Her talents in organizing and preparing food for these 4 to 5 days on the river was amazing. Lois was a very talented ,organized and skillful person and I truly enjoyed her friendship.
Concetta & Len Eckel says
Our condolences to Lois’ family. She was quite a spunky lady. Always loved seeing her getting going on her exercise routine. She never held back!
Niel C. Helfert says
Byron I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. May she rest in peace.
Rosie Munzenrider Buzzas says
Dear DeeAnn,Lisa, Byron and Michelle and families,
I was saddened to hear of Lois’ passing. Lois was an amazing person who had a great influence on my life. I babysat for her when her children were young and also full time during summers ( I loved being with you guys!). She helped me get a job at Shodair Hospital when I turned 15. It didn’t take much time for me to see how
she was respected by all of the nurses and doctors. She was very bright and professional. She loved working with children. Lois would often figure out a diagnosis before doctors did, but was always diplomatic in sharing her insights with doctors. She was a great mentor to me in many ways, making sure I had the full range of experiences at Shodair for the four years I worked there – from working in the nursery where babies were awaiting adoption ( years later, my husband and I adopted our two children from Shodair),to working with kids who came from across the state to Shodair for the summer program where Dr. Pallister worked with them as part of his research on genetic diseases. We made sure they had fun and good care while there. Additionally, Lois allowed me to shadow her as she made her rounds, allowing me to learn about many disorders and patient care, to giving children popsicles to ease them through tonsillectomies. When I think of Lois and what an impact she made on me and my teenage years and ultimately my career choices, I think about a strong and professional woman who loved her family and friends and who made the world a better place with her boundless good energy. Rest in peace, Lois!
Peggy Goodwin says
I had my first ever job interview by Lois Deford at Shodair Hospital .. I still remember it .. Wonderful lady .. I did get the job
Dan Sullivan says
I met Lois in the late 1990’s through the OASIS group. She was open and offered her friendship easily. She loved to be active and involved herself in community activities and was a core member of the OASIS group helping it to be fun and successful. I’m sure many people in OASIS will remember her fondly. OASIS organized a float trip on the Smith River. I needed a canoeing partner and asked if you would like to go. With some apprehension, she said she would despite having no canoe experience. We set off on the Smith with only a couple of practice sessions in the canoe. Despite cool and rainy weather and a couple of dunks in the river, she did great. We were partners thereafter – my sympathy to her family and her many friends.
Curt Black says
Lisa, I am sorry to hear about your mom.
Diane says
DeeAnn and family. I was sorry to learn that your Mom passed away. She was a wonderful person and a good friend to my parents. May God bless you at this difficult time. Diane Pedersen
Audrey Blomquist says
Michelle – Thinking of you and your family during this sad time. May the love of family and friends comfort you.
Raynold Kunnary says
I wish to say how sorry I am of Lois’s passing. I knew Lois from Crossroad’s Health Club. She was a great person and liked by all who knew her. We were so sorry when she quit the Club. She is now in the in great hands – who is taking great care of her. Blessings to her family.
God Bless you Lois.
Mary Kunnary
Paul Wanders says
What a wonderful talented lady Lois was. Lois was my main talented seamstress back in the mid 80’s whom custom designed & Made Several Hand Puppets that we’re featured in numerous Puppet Shows Presented By The Former Wanders Puppet Theater Company of Helena. As Owner of The Wanders Puppet Theater Company Please Extend Our Deepest Condolences To The Family Of Lois Deford On Behalf of My Group. She will be Sorely Missed.
Kelly says
Sorry for your loss Michelle, your mom was a nice to Mike and I in the 60s.