Veronica “Ronnie” (Lambertz) Floding – recent widow, compassionate mother, adoring grandmother – passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children, on May 21, 2019 at Edgewood Assisted Living Center in Helena, Montana.
Ronnie was born on January 9, 1927 in Leaf Valley, Minnesota to John Lambertz and Clara (Schmidt) Lambertz. She was the sixth of nine children, eight of whom were girls. From childhood, Ronnie’s strength and fortitude shone bright. Growing up on a farm, every member of their family developed a commendable work ethic and contributed equally. Ronnie learned from an early age how to pour her heart and soul in to a task and this never wavered throughout her ninety-two years; she dedicated herself fully to being a wife, mother, grandmother, business owner, traveler, quilter, craftswoman, caretaker, and lover of life.
In 1947 while working as a cashier at Woolworth’s in Alexandria, MN, Ronnie’s magnetic presence caught Jim Floding’s attention and they both would say that she became the greatest “catch” of his life. Ronnie and Jim were married on September 1, 1948 in Alexandria after one year of courtship. Together they built an incredible and memorable life with each other, for each other. In their seventy years of marriage, Ronnie and Jim raised four extraordinary children, had the opportunity to watch their six granddaughters grow up, fulfilled lifelong dreams of being business owners, travelled, fished, developed lasting friendships wherever their motor home landed, laughed, and never took a single moment for granted. When asked how they remained successful in their marriage for so long, Ronnie would casually state “laughter and compromise” with the most genuine of smiles on her face.
In 1975, Ronnie and Jim moved their family to Helena, MT to fulfill their dreams of being business owners and opened a Ben Franklin Crafts Store. Montana provided Ronnie and Jim with all of the recreational activities they treasured, including fishing, camping, and boating. Owning a craft store allowed Ronnie to thrive not only as a businesswoman, but also as a quilter, sewer, and lover of all crafts. Throughout the years Ronnie sewed numerous items for her family, from wedding dresses to quilts to oven mitts, and even taught all of her granddaughters how to sew. She ensured that her passion would be passed on by giving each of her granddaughters a sewing machine and sitting patiently by as they all learned the ins and outs of this craft. Just as with quilting, beauty lies in the imperfections, and those close to Ronnie know that she saw the beauty in everyone and was always without judgment.
In 1998, Ronnie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Just as she handled every challenge in life, Ronnie faced cancer head on and defeated it with grace, strength, and resilience. Ronnie was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time in 2007 and, once again, demonstrated her innate grit and won her battle against cancer. During both of these trying times, Ronnie exhibited optimism, faith, and true might as she did what needed to be done without complaint. She was a true woman of class and will always be remembered as a warrior and survivor.
Throughout retirement, Ronnie continued to live a life of adventure and meaning. She would fill her days gardening, canning vegetables, sewing, crafting, cooking, going to the movies, shopping, socializing, and spending quality time with her family. Ronnie also looked forward to traveling in the motor home with Jim to visit family and friends across the country. In addition to her many hobbies, Ronnie was a proud member of the Red Hat Club, Women of the Moose, and was an elected Quilt Judge at the Lewis and Clark County Fair. Ronnie would find joy and magnificence wherever she was and lived a life that was equally humble and sensational.
Whether Ronnie was threading a sewing needle or hooking a fishing line, she did so with purpose and ease. She was the strength and rock of her family, and from making everybody at the table belly laugh over a witty comment to patiently teaching someone how to sew, she demonstrated what it is to live a life that radiates love, grace, compassion, strength, acceptance, and kindness. Ronnie’s life is worth honoring and her legacy will forever live on through stories, artifacts, and memories from those close to her. While her family and friends grieve this tremendous loss, they celebrate her life and memory and find peace knowing that she and Jim are together once again.
Ronnie is survived by her three younger sisters, Theresa Lehn, Corrine Povich, and Shirley Kokotovich, and her cousin Debbie Asbridge (Tom Asbridge) among numerous other relatives who held a special place in her heart. Ronnie also leaves behind four children and six grandchildren: daughter Mary Lohrman; daughter Jane Erickson and her husband Mark Erickson along with their daughters Sarah Yanker (Nick Yanker) and Nicole Erickson; son Steve Floding and his wife Ronell Floding along with their daughters Sadie Floding and Madison Floding; and daughter Jackie MacDonald and her husband Jeff MacDonald along with their daughters Kylie MacDonald and Jamie MacDonald. Ronnie was also preparing for the arrival of her first great-grandson.
It is with the deepest sincerity that Ronnie’s family extends their gratitude to the Edgewood nurses, staff, and residents as well as the Hospice of St. Peter’s Health team, and Dr. Dill for their support and care over the past few months. All of the aforementioned treated Ronnie and her family as if they were family and brought peace and consolation during this trying time.
A Celebration of Ronnie’s Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave in Helena. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ronnie’s name are suggested to St. Peter’s Health Foundation for the “Breast Cancer Fund” (written in memo line of check), c/o St. Peter’s Health, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Ronnie.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 28, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of her Life
Tuesday May 28, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 28, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of her Life
Tuesday May 28, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Lampings says
Mary, Jane, Jackie, Steve, and families,
Your mom was such a treasure, we consider ourselves blessed to have been included in her circle. Losing both parents so close together must bring such sorrow, may your hearts be lifted knowing they are together again. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. With Love,
Rodney and Kate
carol anderson says
Ronnie was such a dear lady. She & Jim were always together, and were a joy to be around. My deepest condolences to Ronnie’s family, with her loss.
Carol Anderson
Bobbie Scott says
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. When my Mom first moved to Edgewood she sat with Jim and Ronnie in the dining room. They were so sweet and welcoming to her. I will always be grateful for their kindness. Ronnie was such a dear sweet woman, so gracious. My Mom considered her a dear friend and was always concerned about her. What a blessing in her life. Love and prayers during this most difficult time.
Joyce and Bobbie Scott
Jackie MacDonald says
Mom it brings me peace knowing that you and dad are together again. I’ll miss your guidance, strength, love and smile. You have given me the tools to be a kind, compassionate and understanding mom that I can pass this on to my girls. Thank you for everything. All my love Jackie
Joy Lundgren Branson says
What a glorious aunt you are, Ronnie. You were the first woman of our parents’ generation, that I recall, to wear a mini skirt. I love that about you, and that your and Uncle Jim’s offspring are my cousins and friends. Happy Trails. ❤️
Sue Wilke says
Jackie, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. It is very hard to lose your parents but they will be forever in your heart. Blessings,
Sue
Sharon Goreham says
So many memories I have spending 2-3 weeks in the summer with Jim and Ronnie in Alexandria while I was growing up. I’m so glad I was able to have that opportunity to get to know my Minnesota family. After I was married, there were our trips to Montana and your trips to California and a few we all took to Minnesota and Oregon. I loved those times with my brother and sister-in-law and will deeply miss them. Ronnie, I was always amazed and in such awe of your skills of sewing, knitting and anything else that involved crafts. You made so many beautiful things that I know countless people have enjoyed. Thank you for all you did to entertain us and our kids when we visited you in MT. The kids enjoyed those trips so much. To Mary, Jane, Steve and Jackie, I know you will carry on your parent’s legacies, as they taught you well. Please know I love you all so much, and hope we always keep in touch.
Love,
Don and Sharon (Floding) Goreham
Brenda (Brazier) Marks says
Dear Steve and Jackie and the Floding family,
I am so sorry for the tremendous loss of your parents. My experience working at Ben Franklin’s was invaluable. You are a family of generosity, kindness, and strength of character. Peace be with you
Susan Blossom says
I am speaking for both of the mature women who were once the van Swearingen girls, and who were very fortunate to grow up in the ‘hood with the Floding kids. Jim and Ronnie were always happy to see us and treated us like family. Jenny came to know and love them from her years working at BF, and I did from my shenanigans with Jane and the gang. Jim and Ronnie’s kids and grandchildren are their biggest legacy – what a family to be proud of! They also embodied such a community spirit – before it became popular. I am proud to have known Jim and Ronnie. I’m so sorry you had to lose them, Floding family. You sure hit the jackpot though, with these parents. Their legacy lives on in you. Much love, Susan Blossom
BEVERLY KORKOWSKI says
Thinking of you all today as you say your final goodbyes. Your mom was a fun lady! There are many memories you can draw from to keep her memory alive. Hugs to you all!
Corrine Povich says
Mary,Jane, Steve,Jackie and families,
There are so many special memories I shared with Ronnie, like my very first plane ride was to visit her and Jim
and Mary in Ogallala, Nebraska. I remember a drive we took in my little red VW to see Jim at a job he was doing in Upper Michigan. The trips to Montana to help celebrate all the weddings and anniversaries.
I was sad that I got to Helena just moments too late to spend time with her, but it was an honor to be with her amazing children and grandchildren as they went about making their preparations for their celebration of her life and final goodbyes. To witness the closeness and love of your family is a testament to the role model that you had. I love you all so much and look forward to making more memories.
Rena Carlson says
Jackie and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Thinking of you and sending warm thoughts and prayers for comfort in the days ahead.
Rena Carlson
Lisa Wilzbacher says
So sorry for your loss