Lula Christine (Eckley) Snedegar:
Lula (Gramma Lu) went to be with her heavenly father on May 5, 2012. Lula was the youngest daughter of Clay and Emma McGath. She was born in Radersburg, Montana on July 30, 1916. Clay McGath was a teamster, and the family followed his work from Radersburg, to Basin, Marysville and Philipsburg where her father hauled ore from various mines with his team of horses.
Lula attended grade and high school in Philipsburg. At age 16, Lula moved to Helena and worked as a maid on Helena’s upper west side for 3 years, saving money to put herself through cosmetology school in Pasadena California. While in Pasadena, her mother passed away, and after finishing school Lula moved back to Montana to watch over her father and brother.
In 1938, Lula married Walter “Bugs” Eckley, who worked as an underground miner. Lula and Bugs followed his work through various mines in Western Montana. Bugs was drafted into the U.S. Navy in April 1944. Their first daughter, Joan was born in August 1944, while Bugs was in the South Pacific. Lula and Joanie lived in Corbin with her father-in-law until Bugs returned from WWII in December 1945. This was at the time that her Model A coupe was the mode of transportation and she had many stories of those experiences. Their second daughter Diane was born in 1948. The family lost Diane to insipidus diabetes in 1950. Lula and Bugs divorced in 1965.
Lu served as a nurse’s aide at St. Peter’s Hospital, Cooney Convalescent Home and the Masonic Home from 1963 to 1972. Lula married Sealy Snedegar in 1968. In 1972 Lula and Sealy retired and moved to the upper west side of Helena. Even in “retirement” Lula worked hard alongside Sealy selling and hauling firewood for the stoves of customers in the Helena Valley. During this time she also took on the role of Gramma to Joanie’s children, step-children, their friends and neighbor kids.
Lula’s greatest joy was to be with family and friends celebrating whatever day it happened to be. The “welcome mat” was always out and the coffee pot always on. Kids and dogs were a favorite and at the top of the list for treats. There was no such thing as a stranger and she encouraged everyone with a positive word or compliment. In so many ways, she showed the attitude of Christ in her daily life, and endurance in times of suffering or pain.
Lula is preceded in death by her parents, brother Dean McGath, sister Viola Larsgaard, her daughter Diane, husbands Walter Eckley and Sealy Snedegar, and nephew Willard Clausen. She is survived by her daughter Joanie, son-in-law Corky Rada, grandchildren Will Pickett (Meghan, Tyler, Hannah, Emma, Derek) Valerie Wilson Cook (husband John Cook), Jim Kralic (wife Renee, Kim, Kelly), Leonard Pickett (Eric, Brooke, Laura), Bob Pickett (Tana, Cristy), Lynette Chadwick (husband Gary, Jesse, Miles, Colter, Jayme), Lorrie Gazloff (Shyla, Kaylyn), Wayne Rada (wife Kristen, Tucker, Grady, Riley, Michael), Blaine Rada (wife Angela, Ashlee, Jared, Emma), Pam Forsman (husband John, Meagan) nephew Claude Clausen, niece Pauline Williams.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A celebration of Lula’s life will be held at East Valley Foursquare Church Thursday, May 10, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Richards officiating. A reception will be held at the church immediately following the service. Burial will be approximately 4:00 p.m. at Jefferson City Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to Compassion Tanzania, Inc. by visiting: www.compassiontanzania.org , a ministry that was close to her heart. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer condolences to the family.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Leonard and Jo says
Dear Joan,
The service was beautiful. Enjoyed listening to Will and Val, they did a great job. In speaking to Leonard, your family and friends it is very clear how special your mom was. She will be missed.
The heart is like a treasurer chest,
It is filled with souvenires.
It is there we keep the memories we have gathered through the years.
Memories of happy times and dreams we’ve seen come true.
Memories of people who were very dear like Gma Lu.
Our condolences to you and yours at this time of loss.
Phyllis Rowe says
What a genuine lady. I feel honored to have met her and gotten to know her these past few years.
A gentle heart, a kind smile, and a twinkle in her eye,— that’s what I’ll remember about Gramma Lu.
Ralph & Dianne Hoffman says
You and your family will continue to be in our prayers as we were so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother(grandmother and friend). We do celebrate with you for her life and her eternal home with the Lord. Blessings to all. Ralph & Dianne Hoffman
Wayne Rada says
You will forever be in my heart, I hope I can bless as many people as you touched with your unconditional love and kindness. You supported me through some of my toughest times with love and encouragement. I will miss your positive attitude and bits of wisdom.