With her loving sons by her side, Lonna passed away peacefully at St. Pete’s Hospital in Helena, MT at 8:10 am on March 26, 2021.
Lonna was born October 9, 1952 in Glendive, MT to Morrell Ketchum and Patricia Neumann Ketchum. She was the middle child of two brothers and two sisters. The family lived in Baker until 1961. They then moved to the ranch in Mildred, where, “according to Lonna”, she raised her siblings all by herself after their father Morrell passed away in 1963.
Lonna finished middle school in Mildred, prior to attending high school in Terry, where she met and was married to Curt Schwartz for 10 years. From this union were born two boys.
Lonna lived in Miles City for 30 years where she worked as an office manager for Roundup Powder and Western Industries. While in Miles, she enjoyed cheering for her sons in various
activities, playing softball, dart leagues, hunting, fishing, boating, and snowmobiling. She was also an avid reader and master solver of crossword puzzles.
In 2003, Lonna decided to make a change and started a new adventure in Helena, MT. This change resulted in the making of many wonderful friends, whom she loved dearly, and
enjoyed spending time with at the local lakes, taking road trips, playing golf or just relaxing on her back deck.
Lonna had a kind and loving heart, with a soft and gentle soul, who was always willing to lend a helping hand Family and friends always came first. Her boys and her pets meant the world to her. Sometimes, the pets more than the boys.
Lonna was preceded in death by Morrell Ketchum (father), Patricia Neuman Ketchum Kuehn (mother), Jerry Ketchum (brother), Yvonne Ketchum Niles (sister), Debbie Ketchum (sister in- law), Shasta, Molly, Bailey, Dash, Rudy, Annie and Max (pets).
Lonna is survived by her two sons, Mitch (Katherine) Schwartz of Frenchtown, Greg (Rachel) Schwartz of Billings, Brother Tom (Robyn) Ketchum of Miles City, sister Vera (Don) Kuehn of
Terry, Deann Ketchum (sister in-law) and Mike Niles (brother in-law); grandchildren, Noah and Leah Schwartz, Kayla and Kellyn Steinmetz; nieces and nephews, Chris, Tye, Ryan, Trisha,
Tawnya, Teneil, Megan, Hanna and Beth; friends, Deb Blixt, Joyce Wilcox, Linda Opie and Pat Johnson and her pets, Mickey and Charlie.
Special thanks to Dr. LeClaire, Dr. Bubbers, Dr. Perry and nurses, Hanna, Arron and Lara of St.Pete’s Hospital (ICU) for their warm, comforting and compassionate care during Mom’s final days.
A celebration of Lonna’s life will be held at the Moose Club in Helena on April 17th at 2 pm with food provided.
A celebration of Lonna’s life will be held in Miles City at the Yellowstone Tavern on May 8th from 1-4PM
Kim Latrielle says
Lonna, we had some great times when you welcomed me into your home while attending sporting events in Helena. I will treasure all our time and late night conversations. You were by my side at every game cheering on the girls. I will miss your gentle and kind ways. You will be missed but not forgotten. Kiss Pat and Yvonne – give that Jerry a big hug. Love ya!
Kim Latrielle says
Kim Latrielle says
Lonna, we had some great times when you welcomed me into your home while attending sporting events in Helena. I will treasure all our time and late night conversations. You were by my side at every game cheering on the girls. I will miss your gentle and kind ways. You will be missed but not forgotten. Kiss Pat and Yvonne – give that Jerry a big hug. Love ya!
Diane Ehman says
Lonna, I will always remember the time Pat bought us a 12 pack for raking the yard in town, with instructions that we had to be up the next morning at the ranch to clean house. I think she had us washing walls at 6 in the morning, well at least I was! What a hangover that was! I am glad I had you as a friend!
Claudia Davis says
I did not know Lonna, but I have the honor of giving Charley and Mickey a new home. What sweet dogs. They have settled in after just a couple hours. Lonna must have been a very nice lady to raise such lovely companions. This was a wish come true for me. I hope Lonna knows her babies are well cared for and loved.
Claudia
Fran and Bill says
Lorna I will always remember you as a sweet, loving woman and am honored to have known you! RIP Lonna.
Lois Bloom says
Lonna was my good childhood friend and neighbor. She would stay overnight and loved to read my comic books!
One late night we came back from Terry and were parked at a small dam nearby her house. I was driving my dad’s pickup and drove over a rock I’d guess and oil was leaking out. My dad was none too happy with me of course! (Just don’t mess with his vehicles!) We had some good memories! I am so happy I could see Lonna again in Helena two years ago.
RIP Lonna and yes, give my love to your family-your mom Pat, Jerry, and Yvonne.
Kim Peterson says
My heart is broken my dear friend. RIP
Ileen Ketchum Hodgson says
Best wishes for comfort and sweet memories to Lonna’s family and friends at her passing. We have not has close association except when we were young, but family stories are still there. Life seems to get shorter when our family members are passing before us. Love, Ileen Ketchum Hodgson — cousin – Ken and Mary Ann Ketchum daughter. Same age as Lonna.
Mike Duncan says
Mitch ang Greg was so sad to hear about your mother she was a dear friend. It has been a while since I have seen her but will never forget.