Sofia McHale was born May 3, 1925 and passed from this life on October 9, 2020. She lived to be 95 years of age and could never quite get over that she was that old. Sofia was born in Denver CO, to Alfred Charles Vigil, and Stella Montania Vigil. Sofia married William Charles McHale April 12, 1946 and they had one son, Bruce Larry McHale on January 16, 1948. Sofia was very proud of working for Mountain Bell as a telephone operator and retired after 30 plus years. It was fun to talk to her about her working days where she liked working the night shift, and told of once patching a call through from President Reagan. Sofia spoke Spanish so she was often given calls from anyone who didn’t speak English very well. Sofia lived in Casper WY where her dad worked for the railroad, later the Salt Lake City area and returned to Casper to spend time with several sisters-in-law there including Myrna and Dave Miles and family before moving to Helena MT for her final days
Sofia liked spending time with, and taking her grandchildren on adventures when they were little and loved them very much. She had a kind heart and was always compassionate toward even the smallest little bugs and critters and enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels in the yard. Sofia spent time as a caregiver for her mother, sister and son during their illnesses as well as several older persons in the Salt Lake City area, and had many stories to share. Sofia enjoyed her move to Helena to be with her nephew Kevin and was particularly happy because the wind didn’t blow like it did in Casper! She enjoyed living at the Masonic Home in Helena and loved their popcorn and movie days and special activities, like when they brought in puppies for the residents or when they had antique cars on display. Sofia always read a good book and worked on several jigsaw puzzles at the same time on her kitchen table. Sofia enjoyed cooking when she was still able to and was fun to cook for because she liked eating good food…and was quick to let you know she could eat anything and not gain any weight. The world was a better place because of Sofia’s love of life, good attitude, sense of humor and cute little jokes. She will be missed by those that love her.
Sofia is preceded in death by her husband Bill McHale, son Bruce McHale, parents Alfred and Stella Vigil, sister Ann (Vigil) Burton (Roy), and brothers Alfred and Gilbert (Shirley) Vigil. She is survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Abby McHale and her son Samuel of Helena; Libby McHale and her sons Giavonni Sabillon and Kye Peat of Logan, UT; Beth Landgrebe and her children Harbor and Camden of Tooele, UT; Hillary McHale; Zach McHale ; and former daughter-in-law Anita Neal McHale all of Clearfield UT. Sofia is also survived by nephew Kevin Kirley (Susan) of Helena; sisters-in-law Bonnie Vigil of Aurora, CO and Myrna Miles of Casper WY; and nieces and nephews in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Sofia’s ashes are laid to rest with her husband Bill at Valley View Cemetery in Salt Lake City. Since there will be no service, gifts in honor of Sofia may be sent to the Masonic Home of Montana, 2010 Masonic Home Road, Helena MT 59602. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Sofia.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Tom Naegele says
Miss you Ms Sophia. Always fun to be with you. R. I. P.
Rick Broadwater says
Sad to hear of Sophia’s passing. was able to get to know her while she was at the Masonic Home. She was a nice and gentle sole with stories to tell. Rest in Peace.
Sheri says
Aunt Sofia McHale…
I’m speechless and that never happens! Oh my! How do you sum up life or a life and do it proud! Aunt Sofia was always so much fun! When they lived on Kimball, in Casper, WY, I can remember those jigsaw puzzles! I still do them, because of Aunt Sofia and Grandma Vigil! There was always a puzzle to work on when you went to visit them.
I also remember a funny story with my son when he was about four! He would tell my dad that he likes that lady that drives the fast race car! That was Aunt Sofia and her Camaro, or her Firebird, or whatever race car she had bought that year!
In 1977 I got to spend quite a lot of time with Sofia in Salt Lake City! My older two children‘s father had been in a trucking accident which left him paralyzed! And, he happened to be taken to the University of Utah Medical Center! And, for a couple months on and off I was either there or back in Casper! He was eventually sent to Casper and then Craig Hospital in Denver!
Learning how to drive in Salt Lake City was always a challenge until I got it through my mind that the north south east and west were not directions; because everything in SLC ON THE Mormon Temple! Everything is North south east or west of the temple!
And, yes a wickedly funny sense of humor! We lost her car one time when we came out of a mall in SLC which taught me from that moment on, and for the rest of my life, was to always find a marker of where you parked your car, whether it’s in row A B or C or row 1 2 3! Just always find some kind of marker nearest your car! We looked for what seemed like ever!
My children growing up had to unfortunately put up with one of my many pet peeves of kids telling me they didn’t like something… without trying it! And so, the rule was simple, if you try this and you don’t like it I can live with that! But, don’t tell me you don’t like it without trying it! And my son, learned to eat so many things when we were staying with Sofia in Salt Lake City one week, so my kids could see their dad! Aunt Sofia had Randy eating Brussels sprouts, broccoli and sliced tomatoes among many other things! It was truly an amazing time with for that one week period!
As my kids grew older, and visits from Aunt Ann and Aunt Sofia began to decline when health issues started with Grandma Vigil! I will always treasure my time with these two phenomenal women, who were thin as a pencil and had gorgeous hair! Which by the way, I never knew they colored until not too many years ago!
I miss them all, my Dad, Ann & Roy, cousin Brucie and Sofia! And, I miss my Grandma and Grandpa Vigil! I miss those glorious days of my childhood! And, I always look forward to going by their house, when I go to Casper!
Please rest in peace Aunt Sofia!! You’ve earned your heavenly rest! I love you!
Your niece,
Sheri Vigil