Vida Marie Avens-Melstad passed away at home in her sleep early Monday morning after fighting lung cancer for nearly five years. She was born to Helen (Voeller) and Claude Avens in Billings, MT on September 14, 1950. Vida graduated from Billings Central High School in 1968 and from Carroll College in Helena with a degree in history in 1972. Her beautiful handwriting was a clear hint that nuns played a large role in her education.
After graduating from Carroll, Vida worked at the Catholic Diocese of Helena offices. Vida met Jim Melstad of Pierre, SD in 1979 and they married in East Helena on August 11, 1984. Vida left the Diocese office in 1984 and later worked for Kathleen Tuxill at Kathy’s Dress Shop in Helena. She “retired” as a homemaker in Helena after working for Kathy.
Vida and Jim had no children but always enjoyed the company of family, friends and numerous pets. Vida shared strong attachments with her nieces and nephews and readily offered love and advice (wanted or not). Seeing her great-nieces and nephews grow up offered Vida a special treat.
Vida paid great attention to detail, which played into her talent as an excellent cook and candy maker. She honed her skills cooking for the priests at the old Chancery mansion on Helena’s west side. She loved preparing meals for family and friends, especially for the holidays. She made candy for weddings and for many Christmas gatherings. Her talent was responsible for her husband’s addiction to running as a way to keep his weight under control. The cruel irony of having to eat Jim’s cooking after Vida became ill was not lost on her husband. Vida also greatly enjoyed gardening and raising flowers. Her expert ability to pick out the right gifts for any occasion showed how much she loved her family and friends.
Although she ultimately lost her battle with cancer, she previously had glimpses of the hereafter fighting through a long-term heart condition, removal of part of her colon and spinal surgery to correct a life-threatening neck injury. Vida was always grateful to Dr. Ibsen of Helena for identifying her heart condition in the St. Pete’s emergency room, to Dr. Harper of Helena for her colon surgery, to Dr. Mulgrew of Helena for his diagnosis of her neck injury and to the late Dr. Sorini of Butte for his skilled repair of her neck. Her last and biggest medical thank-you goes to Dr. Weiner, to all other Cancer Treatment Center staff and volunteers and St. Pete’s hospital. The Cancer Treatment Center at St. Pete’s offered the perfect setting for Vida to fight cancer and live nearly five times longer than the average life expectancy for her condition. Her love and gratitude can’t be adequately expressed by words except to say that Vida had no interest in pursuing treatment elsewhere. Thanks also go to Father John Robertson of Helena for remembering Vida with a visit and blessing. Lastly and most importantly, Vida wanted to extend sincere thanks to her family and friends for all their love and support throughout.
Vida is survived by her husband Jim of Helena, sisters Claudia (Roger) Loecker of Huron, SD and Cyndy (Jeff) Steiner of Billings, sisters in-law Pam Templeton of Pierre, SD and Karen (Mark) Menke of Eagan, MN, mother- and father-in-law Corinne and James Melstad Sr. of Pierre, SD and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Claude. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, contributions are suggested to the Cancer Treatment Center at St. Peter’s Hospital ) in Helena (https://www.stpetes.org/CancerTreatmentCenter), to Rocky Mountain Hospice (http://www.rockymountainhospice.com/), to St. Peter’s Hospice (https://www.stpetes.org/hospital/home-health-care/hospice), the Humane Society of Lewis and Clark County (http://www.mtlchs.org/pages/donate.htm) or to the Friendship Center of Helena (http://thefriendshipcenter.org/donate/).
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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Rick and Beth Cottingham says
Jim we are so sorry to hear of Vida’s passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kate Miller says
Jim we are so very sorry about the loss of Vida. we will be thinking of you. Kate Miller and Gary Swanson
Marc Golz says
Jim, I’m sorry for your loss and I’m here for you if you need anything.
Debbie, Darwin and Crystal says
Jim, Cindy and Claudia,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Vida was such a wonderful person. We sure enjoyed our barbeques and and special times together. May your many happy memories with Vida help comfort you.
Luella Schultz says
Jim, I”m sorry to hear of your wife’s passing.
Sandi & John Camden says
Jim – Vida was a special lady, supported your work, and was a great cook. Vida will be missed by all of us. You are in our thoughts and prayer.
Kim, Barbara, Mary Ann says
Jim, Cyndie, and Claudia,
We are so sorry to lose Vida. She was a great friend for so many years. We spent many fun times together. We will miss our discussions…from sharing recipes to thoughts on the political front! Oh, and of course the NFL season talks! We love you, Vida and will miss you so much.
SGL Michelle says
We had lots of fun on the Last Chance Ladies Thursday night bowling league a few years back, Vida was always trying to keep all of us girls in line 🙂 Rest in Peace our friend.
SGL Michelle
Joe Strasko says
Jim, I’m very sorry to hear about Vida’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Joe Strasko