Lou Waterman, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on April 21, 2012, three weeks after her 88th birthday. Born on a ranch in McAllister, Montana, on March 29, 1924, to Peyton Barnett and Bernice Bauer Barnett, she grew up in Ennis.
Lou attended high school in Ennis, after which she left Montana to attend Western Union training in Santa Cruz, California. While in California she met George Olson who became her husband. The couple’s first child, Connie, was born in San Diego where George was stationed in the Navy. Mick was born after the family moved to South Dakota. After Lou and George were divorced, Lou moved back to Montana with her children and later married Norm Waterman, with whom she had two children, Norma Lou (“Tuey”) and Wendi.
The family lived in Virginia City for a number of years. After Lou and Norm were divorced, Lou, in order to support her children, ran for and was elected the Madison County Clerk and Recorder. Lou moved to Helena in 1974 where she worked in various secretarial jobs for many years until her retirement from the Montana University System, Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. After retirement she worked part time for the Montana Hospital Association for several years.
Lou greatly enjoyed her big yard and the squirrels she loved to entice there with peanuts. There were a precocious few she was able to hand feed. She loved her little cat, Callie, who gave her many years of companionship and comfort. Lou had a quick wit and sense of humor and entertained her friends and family with many pranks over the years. She also loved to tickle the ivories, sang for a time with the Sweet Adelines, played a wicked game of cribbage, rarely missed a Grizzly football game, and was renowned in the family for her yummy desserts. Lou will be fondly remembered and missed by all who knew her.
Lou was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Mervyn and Howard Barnett, daughter Connie Anderson, and grandson Ebon Levelle. She is survived by elder sister, Lee Evans; son, Mick Waterman (Kathy Connors) and their children, Kelly Casillas (Jack Lynch) and Kevin Lamkin (Trina Diaz); daughter Tuey (Dennis) Scranton, and their children, Denise (Shayne) Clark and Landon Scranton; daughter Wendi Mackenzie (Matthew); and by Connie’s son, Rhys (Kylie) Anderson. She is also survived by great- grandchildren Damon, Levi and Dante Anderson; Dylan, Shaynie, Shay and Shaylee Clark, and Connor Casillas as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family thanks Frontier Hospice, Dr. Todd Wampler, and the staff at Rosetta Assisted Living for their thoughtful care of Lou during the last weeks of her life.
A gathering in remembrance of Lou will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. on Friday, April 27, 2012, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Lou will be interred in Meadowcreek Cemetery, in McAllister, Montana. Date and time will be announced when arrangements are completed. Memorials in Lou’s name are suggested to Frontier Home Health & Hospice 800 Front Street Helena, MT 59601, Best Friends Animal Society 2001 Angel Canyon, Kanab, Utah 84741 or to L&C Humane Society P.O. Box 4455 Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences.
Alexis Bell says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow!
God Bless,
Alexis Bell
Briana Evans Ybarra says
Mick and Wendi,
We are so sorry about Aunt Lou. I will always remember her big smile and as being one of the most sassy individuals I had ever met! She will be missed. -Thinking of you during this difficult time,
Evans Family
DEBBIE (MURGEL) SCHRAMM says
I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR MOTHER. SHE WAS A GOOD PERSON. SHE WILL BE MISSED BUT JUST REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES YOU HAD WITH HER. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU IN A TIME LIKE THIS. WENDI IF YOU NEED ANYTHING LET ME KNOW.
Gary And Debra Barnett says
I have many fond memories of family vacations visiting Aunt Lou and my cousins.Their home was always filled with joy and laughter.May the Lord comfort you in this time.
Jennifer (Barnett) Rhoten says
Sending my thoughts and prayers. My Dad (Gary Barnett) has shared many fun stories of Aunt Lou and all the zany things she used to do. She was such an inspiration and full of life. She will truly be missed.
Jim Ahrens says
I was the CEO of the Montana Hospital Association when Lou was employed at MHA. She was a great and fun loving person. My sympathies to you.
Jim Ahrens
Linda Smith says
Wendi, Mick and Tuey,
I was very sorry to hear of your loss.
Your Mom was a little woman but she had a big personality. I’ll always remember her impish laugh when something tickled her funny bone.
Lou is sadly missed and fondly remembered.
With deep sympathy and warm regards,
Linda Smith
Maureen Santelli says
Lou was a funny lady and great to visit with. She will be missed.
nancy nys says
Lou was a very special person and friend. My condolences go out to her family. She is now with her beloved BJ
Pam Brown says
Dear Wendi & Family ~
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I remember the two of you shopping, attending baseball games and just having fun!
She was a very kind and loving person and I know she will be greatly missed. May you and your family cherish all the wonderful memories.
May God Bless You All,
Pam Brown
Helena, MT
Rita Tenneson says
Mick, Kathy & Family —- My heart goes out to you. I am well aware of the sorrow involved when losing a parent. May you find comfort in the happy memories you shared with your mom. I will always remember the fun times with her at your dinner parties. She always had a smile on her face and was a joy to visit with. Much love. Rita Tenneson
shelly sanders horne says
Mick & Wendi I was so soryy to hear of your mothers passing my thought and prayers are with you and your family I am sure she is now resting in the arms of the lord and at peace God Bless shelly
Sue Schwarz says
Wendi & Family. My deepest sympathy goes out to you. Your mom was so fun to be around. She will surely be missed.
Sue Schwarz
Susan says
Wendi, so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful mother. I will keep you all in my prayers, as always.
Terry Lamping says
Mick & Kathy, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Lou truly had a great sense of humor.
Vurnie & Dodie Barnett says
Dear Aunt Lou we will miss you so much. Your sense of humor was such a bright and shining light. You will always be in our hearts.