East Helena native Lucy Stump passed away on June 23rd following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Lucy was born in Helena on January 4, 1930 to John M and Frances (Smith) Rigler of East Helena. At a young age, she lost her father to pneumonia and turned to her brothers Luddie and Zip as her father figures. She cherished her memories of growing up in East Helena and was proud to have been an original Smith’s Place family member, always eager to share with all the many tales of life in the smelter town. She helped her mom clean the ASARCO Smelter Administrative Building and played softball on the East Helena team where she cultivated friendships that lasted her lifetime.
When WWII broke out and Luddie and Zip enlisted, she prayed with her mother regularly for their safe return and wrote letters to them every day. A great majority of those letters returned to East Helena with Zip and Luddie, providing a historical account of East Helena during WWII. Following the war and the safe return of her brothers, she met a handsome young sailor boy named Mike Stump. Together, she and Mike raised four children in Helena. While raising kids, Lucy began a nearly four-decade stint of public service at the Federal Highway Administration. Along the way came fishing trips to Hebgen Lake, camping trips to the Ruby and cheering on every sport and activity undertaken by her family members. Summers were especially joyful with Gramma as the pitcher and all the grandchildren playing wiffleball. She was never too old to participate. In later years she and Mike enjoyed traveling to Vegas with their daughters.
Her other lifelong devotion was honoring military service veterans through fundraising and administrative activities with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Cory Dullum Post 10010 Ladies Auxiliary and the Military Order of the Cooties. She is credited with selling over 100,000 Buddy Poppies to aid veterans and serving more than 8,000 hours of volunteerism at Fort Harrison. For her unwavering efforts, she received countless awards and in 2018 she was recognized as the National VFW Volunteer of the Year. In 2019 she received the United States Military Order of the Cooties Supreme Volunteer of the Year.
Through these efforts, she became a symbol of patriotism across Montana especially Fort Harrison and East Helena communities. Her favorite colors were red, white, and blue. Lucy was an intricate part of the Easter Egg Hunt and the East Helena Community birthday calendar. She was devoted to instilling patriotism in school-aged children, and in 2015 she was bestowed the honor of being named the East Helena School District Citizen of the Year. Her life-long dedication to East Helena was culminated by being named the Grand Marshal at the 2018 East Helena Rodeo Parade.
Preceding her in death was her husband of 69 years, Mike Stump, parents John and Frances Rigler and brothers Luddie (Lois) Rigler and Zip (Iris) Rigler and her beloved Smith and Rigler relatives. Survivors include daughters Jean (Anthony) Strainer of East Helena, Linda Williams of New York, sons Bob (Donna) Stump of Sheridan, Montana and Tom (Lisbeth) Stump of Bozeman; grandchildren Adam (Amy) Strainer with Bricean and Ivory; Michael (Amy) Strainer with Ava and Giuliana Lucille; Tyler Strainer; Ben (Tanya) Williams with Asia; Clifton (Ali) Stump with Harrison; Patrick Stump; Christopher (Marie) Stump and Kari (Dean Waltee) Stump.
Lucy was an active member of Ss Cyril and Methodius Parish as a young girl and then again in her senior years when she returned to East Helena, while living in Helena she regularly attended mass at the Cathedral. The Stump Family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Son Heaven for making Mother welcomed and cared for over the past several months. We would also like to thank Iris Maness, Donna Schroeder, Flo Parmalee, Jean Boucher, Carol McMaster and Barb Peters for tending to Mother after Dad’s passing and migration to Son Heaven.
Lastly, Lucy looked for the good in everyone and everything. She would strike up a conversation with anyone and then walk away feeling good that she had met someone new. Later she would praise you on your accomplishments and express pride for just knowing you. We could all use a little Lucy in our lives every now and then. Godspeed Mother on your next journey, say hi to everyone, you left this world and those you touched with a little bit more pride in themselves. We thank and love you for that everlasting gift.
A private family Mass will be celebrated at SS Cyril and Methodius. She will be laid to Rest at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena. Public celebration of life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10th at the Kennedy park in East Helena.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:30 p.m.
Friday July 10, 2020
Kennedy Park
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:30 p.m.
Friday July 10, 2020
Kennedy Park
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss. She will be missed.
Sandi Coyle Benson says
She will be missed by many as she always had a talk, smile and buddy poppy. Rest now as your job is complete and done very well. “God Bless”
jann stump says
She is loved and will be greatly missed.
Love and great memories for her family.
Pat and Jann
Marie Kall says
I’m so sorry. I have great memories of Lucy from years ago. Gods blessings. Marie Retz Kall
Scott St. Clair says
I have Lucy and her family in my thoughts today. She was a wonderful person. She will be missed by many East Helena folks. Scott St. Clair
Dave & Nancy Duel says
Aunt Lucy you will be greatly missed! You were one special woman & grandpa Luddie thought the world of you! We remember how you never forgot any of the kids at the holidays you always had a little card with a couple of dollars in it for each and everyone of them & they loved that so much! Now at least you’re at peace and with your dad, your mom, your brothers, your sweet husband of many years and We hope are having one heck of a party in heaven right now! Love Dave, Nancy & Duel Family
James Schell says
Lucille was a wonderful and loving person, East Helena will always remember her tireless work for Veterans and community. God bless her and her family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
John Fechter says
Every time we met there were stories and laughter we always left with a warm smile. God bless.
Curt Stanghill says
Prayers for the family. She was a very nice person.
Jeff Lovely says
Tom and Lisbeth. So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending love and prayers your way. God bless.
Kathleen Hunthausen says
Jean and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was the face of East Helena, and worked tirelessly for the good of the little town she loved so much. Everything she did was with such enthusiasm and good will toward everyone. Blessings to all of your family.
Allen & Kathy Chambers says
What a “great” lady and shining example of how one should serve others. And to the family of Lucy, thank you for sharing her with us. You are all in our prayers.
Sandi Meyers says
Lucille was a very thoughtful, caring lady and it seemed she always had a smile on her face. Just a very happy lady. I missed her when I resigned from the ladies auxiliary and cooties. Such a sweet lady.All of the family will be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days. RIP beautiful Lucille!
Terri Maness Norman says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Lucy’s family. I had known Lucy for many years growing up in East Helena and beyond through her friendship with my grandmother, Iris. Lucy was always full of life–her energy and enthusiasm was contagious. She will be missed by many and her legacy of service to veterans and the East Helena community will live on for years. What an amazing lady–so glad I had the chance to know her!
Shauna Maness Ottman says
Lucy was such a nice and generous lady, full of energy and made you feel so special. My grandma Iris and Lucy had so much fun together! Lucy will surely be missed! The city of East Helena was blessed to have her and her servant heart! My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Rick Pyfer says
Jean, Linda, Bob and Tom, your mom was “the Best of East Helena”. My mom and she were great friends and neighbors. Many above have paid on point tributes. The buddy poppy queen! The Fireworks fundraiser extraordinaire- walking Pacific and other streets with a coffee can to collect support. The many, many hours of service through VFW Auxiliary to all us EH kids from Easter Egg hunts in city park to Halloween parties at the Firehall. From Ice Skating parties with hot chocolate and hotdogs to bicycle races on the main street. Lucy like Al Rose, Cess Rigler, Mrs. Rusek, Kay Willis, Cap Cvar, and of course Charley Pride and many others will remain a symbol of all that was good about East Helena and go down in its lore as one of its all-time favorite sisters! Now that she has joined her beloved Mike, they can guide their wonderful family from heaven as they share in the eternal reward they both so justly deserve. Our family gives its deepest and most heartfelt THANK YOU to Lucy for all her kindness and service and wish all her descendants godspeed as they live their lives out inspired by the precious gift of her life with them.
Michelle Anderson says
Lucille was who I always saw during Easter Egg Hunts, etc… throughout the years in East Helena, She never seemed to run out of energy. we were lucky to have such a wonderful dedicated lady. My kids would make baskets to donate every year when they were young, she always showed so much appreciation. Thoughts and prayers for her friends and family.
Michelle Anderson and family
Rande Muffick says
Lucille was one of the all time fixtures and personalities of East Helena. She worked with my dad for several years at Federal Highways and was always so happy to see us kids when we would pop in there or around East Helena when we visited our grandparents on the weekends and holidays.. Very fine lady… Always happy and always kind..
Leon Belville says
I’m very sorry to learn of Lucille’s passing. She was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Jama McKinney says
I’m so sorry to hear of Grandma Lucy’s passing. She was a wonderful person and I have fond memories of her during my childhood. She was always so kind and happy. Sending my love and prayers to you all.
Sally Nyland says
TO THE FAMILY OF LUCILLE STUMP,
My condolences to the family of Lucille Stump. I have known Lucille for years and she was such a “great lady”. I always enjoyed running into Lucille around town, usually the post office. We would share memories about how life was and the changes coming. She always had a smile and her laugh was contagious. I will miss Lucille – she was one of a kind. RIP DEAR LADY.
Troy and Lynn Maness says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We always enjoyed your mom and visiting with her. The world lost a true angel but heaven gained one. Love to all of you.
Troy and Lynn Maness
Nathel and Tom Martin says
Another of the great ones has gone and with her the history and memories of a lifetime. From the time we first met Lucy, when Jean and family moved in across the street from us in East Helena, she was always friendly, smiling and had something good to say. Our youngest daughter thought of her as a third grandma. In past years, we would sometimes see Lucy in town at stores, etc. and of course she always had a minute to smile and chat and ask about family. Hard to believe she’s gone. Seemed like she would live on and on. Love and prayers, Nathel and Tom Martin
Judy Rigler-Dunn says
Lucy was always such a happy, vivacious person with a kind word for everyone! She, Luddie, and Zip were my late husband Rick Rigler’s cousins, and they all grew up together in East Helena. I know she’s united with Mike and all the family members that preceded her in death, and I’m sure that Heaven is better place with Lucy there. Love to all her family.
Joe Maronick says
Lucille was a wonderful East Helena historian. She showed me all kinds of local history of my family and her own. She gave me books and history pictures of our family times together. She was best youth friends with my cousin Kay through grade school and thereafter. I will miss both she and Mike with whom I worked at the Department of Labor. Rest in peace.
Carol Gullickson says
Jean and family,
Many years have passed since we were in school at St. Ann’s. I am so sorry to hear that your Mom passed. However I know she is looking down on all of you smiling. God Bless You and your
Family.
I will keep you in my prayers,
Carol Samson Gullickson and family
Jason Davis says
Tom, Bob and Family,
I did not get the pleasure of meeting your mom, but she was obviously an extraordinary lady. I am so sorry for your loss and I hope your family and memories of time spent with your mother bring you comfort. I am thinking about you and your family.
Sandra (Stanghill) Nachtsheim says
I will so miss a visit with Lucy when I get to East Helena. It was always a joy. My thoughts are with you.
Mary Brydich says
Lucy was one in a million. She always had a compliment for you and thought the best of everyone. Always a kind word. I have known her my whole life through church and the East Helena VFW. I fondly remember so many of the older East Helena ladies but especially remember Lucille from VFW concession stand at the rodeo, parades, fishing derbies at Johnson’s pond, dances, auxiliary meetings, putting flags on auxiliary member graves on Memorial Day, district conventions and all the community service projects. I know my mom, Violet Betts, thought very highly of her and considered her a friend. Both Mom and Lucille were charter members of the East Helena VFW Auxiliary to Post 10,010. Until recently, I continued to work with Lucille selling VFW Auxiliary Community Calendars – just a few years ago her picture was featured on the calendar as Grand Marshall at the rodeo parade. She remained so active until the last few years. I am sure she spent at least 50 years as treasurer of the auxiliary. Jean and family, I am so sorry for your loss. She spoke so highly of all her children and she was so proud of all of you. She really missed Mike and happy to see that they are together.