Luella Joan Bignell Tavenner, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, daughter, friend, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, March 8th, 2025, at the age of 90.
Lue was born on June 23rd, 1934, in Sioux City Iowa and grew up on the family ranch in Avon, Montana. After graduating from Powell County High School in Deer Lodge Montana, she married Sam Bignell starting their lives together, ranching and raising 8 children. Judy, Janet, Jeanie, Jim, Joyce, John, Joe, and Kathy. Sam, her first love, was tragically killed in a tractor accident on the ranch in their young married life and Lue later remarried C. Robert Tavenner celebrating over 30-years of marriage living in Deer Lodge, Montana. Here they split time between the ranch, in Avon and Deer Lodge, sharing many great times and sports with friends throughout these communities.
As a rancher’s daughter, and later as a rancher herself, her character formed early in life, building on the foundations of what it means to work hard with dedication, faith, and strength in all of life’s experiences.
Lue loved her family. Countless memories where shared on the ranch and traveling the country as a “Bigtime” fan, supporting family and friends in rodeo arenas, football stadiums, track fields, volleyball and basketball courts.
Luela Bell, will be remembered by many for her loving heart and many friends and will be dearly missed by all who loved her.
She made an impression on everyone she met and will forever remain in the hearts and minds of family and friends. Lue leaves behind her legacy of passion, strength, and character. Love you BIGTIME
Judy Bignell Wagner (Alvin), Janet Bignell Erickson, Jim Bignell (Carrie), Joyce Bignell Ayre (Bill), John Bignell (Tana), and Joe Bignell (Patti), 23 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren (a house full!).
Lue was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Mary Blood, husbands Samual Patrick Bignell and Charles Robert Tavenner, daughters Jeanie Bignell and Kathy Bignell, great granddaughter Madison Grace Reitz, stepson Tom Tavenner (Kathy), stepdaughter Peg Tavenner, sisters Mamie McGregor Swenson and Anita Sparks.
Rosary will be held March 13th at 5:00 p.m. and funeral mass on March 14th, at 11:00 a.m. will be at Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Clark St. in Deer Lodge, MT. Burial will follow at the Avon Cemetery, with reception following at the Avon Community Clubhouse.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be sent to Avon Cemetery Board, C/O Jill McIntosh, PO Box 290, Avon, MT 59713
Service Schedule
Rosary
5:00 p.m.
Thursday March 13, 2025
Immaculate Conception Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 14, 2025
Immaculate Conception Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Reception
Following the burial
Friday March 14, 2025
Avon Community Club House
Avon, Montana 59713
Service Schedule
Rosary
5:00 p.m.
Thursday March 13, 2025
Immaculate Conception Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 14, 2025
Immaculate Conception Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Reception
Following the burial
Friday March 14, 2025
Avon Community Club House
Avon, Montana 59713
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Mark LaRowe says
My condolences to the family. What an amazing woman and incredible matriarch for you cherish forever. Prayers for comfort and peace to you all.
Jan Gregson says
To the entire Bignell family, goose and I are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was truly a pioneer with the strength of 10… we will remember her fondly as she always made a point to say hello and give us one of her biggest smiles…. our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hope your memories bring you peace, love and laughter! Goose and Jan Gregson
Rick O'Connell says
Bignell family. What a great life for a great lady. Her passion for life lives on in all of you. Will sure miss her big smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The O’Connell crew
Karin Stanford says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. She was such a wonderful caring person and ALWAYS a lady. Mom and Lue were very special friends, and my family can revel in the many wonderful stories and memories of them. Thank you, Lue, for the memories!
Karin Nielsen Stanford
Pam Mihelish says
To the Bignell family, sending you all love and happy memories of Luella Bella!
Pam Mihelish &family
Gloria Tavenner Dow says
Fondly remembering the warmth, joy, and love that filled Aunt Lue’s home, ranch, and heart!
Suzanne Ives says
Condolences to the family of Lou and Gary.
High school friends of mine.
Suzanne “Sue” Lintz Ives
Dory Waid says
My condolences to the Bignell family. Many blessings and cherished memories will live on in her beautiful family.
Janice Paisley Connors says
Lou would stay with our family in Spokane when bringing Jeannie over for treatments. We all thought she was a wonderful woman – so sweet to all of us while supporting her little daughter through therapy. Our Mom – Arlyne – considered Lou a special friend. Our condolences to the family.
Donna Delp says
Your Mom was such a special, beautiful lady!! She will be missed So thankful to have gotten to know her. Hugs and deepest sympathy go out to you and your family. Lv ewe
Janet Janney says
Lue was one of my favorite people. Seeing her at community events was always a highlight . She was pure class! Condolences to all her family.