Wilene Bridger our wife, Mamie, and Nana leaves us after a short, courageous and peaceful battle with pancreatic cancer on February 14, 2022. Wilene was born July 22, 1948 in Billings, MT to Pauline and William Wallis Jr.
Wilene grew up in Lavina, MT on the family ranch. As the oldest of five, she helped to care for her younger siblings and cousins. They enjoyed gardening, cooking, and riding sheep and horses. But a favorite past time was singing hymns around the piano. She attended school at Lavina, MT and graduated valedictorian in 1966.
Wilene moved to Billings to attend Eastern Montana College and pursue a teaching degree. Prior to her graduation with honors in 1970, Wilene met Jim Bridger on the bridge to the Roundup fairgrounds and rodeo. After graduation Wilene moved to Columbia Falls, MT for her first teaching assignment. Shortly after Jim followed and they were married September 26, 1970. They were the loves of each other’s lives and were married for over 51 years.
After teaching for several years Wilene and Jim became parents first to Joel Ashley in 1977 and then Paula Karene followed in 1980. Wilene was an exceptional mom. She instilled a love of cooking in Joel and taught Joel and Paula everyday the most important things in life: loving, faithfulness, compassion, and a heart of service. To her last breath Wilene remained Paula’s best friend.
While Wilene was home raising her children she became a volunteer for many activities including 4-H, and volunteering at the kids’ school. A particular organization was Hike Bike, a program for children with disabilities. One year as the director of the program; the totaled miles of all the hiker/bikers equaled the distance around the earth.
Jim and Wilene were grateful for a business called Nanci. They cruised to the Caribbean and won cars, however the greatest rewards of Nanci were the Sunday morning meeting in the Caribbean and the people that would turn from business partners to lifelong friends. Friendships that would weather storms and spend hours in conversation of fellowship and joy.
In Wilene’s 23 years of teaching, she impacted the lives of students from K-8th grade across the Flathead Valley. She loved the challenge of enabling any student to be their best self. After retiring from her own classroom Wilene was a well sought-after sub covering any classroom on a moment’s notice. She loved to keep in contact with her former students through letters, social media and the wonderful visits they would share in Wilene and Jim’s home.
Some of Mamie’s loves after her retirement from teaching included traveling to see family, friends, and workers with Jim. She created works of art through hand-stamped cards, filled with love for any person and occasion. She also loved to sing in the Valley Voices choir, play cards with friends and go to lunch groups. Several great travel memories include a trip to New York with Paula to sing in Carnegie Hall and the maiden voyage of the motor home in Oct ‘21. One adventure was traveling to small Eastern Montana towns, find cars parked at odd angles outside the “busiest” Café/Bar; then they would eat the best $5 meal with the locals.
In 2019 following Percy’s first birthday Wilene and Jim made the choice after 50 years to leave Kalispell and move to Helena to be near Pauline, Paula, Chris and the grandbabies. It was such a blessing to watch Wilene blossom into her Nana role. Reading books, cooking, art, singing and even dancing in the living room. Some of her favorite things about her grandsons are their gentle “I love you”, calls first thing in the morning, and snuggling at bedtime singing Tell Me the Story of Jesus. Her gentle heart and warm ‘nuggle’ will be missed as they grow into the God fearing faithful men she prayed for every day.
Wilene made her choice to serve Jesus when she was just a young girl, the first of her siblings to make her choice. She never wavered in her faith that God’s will is best and nothing matters but salvation even when the storms of life beat heavily on her door. Wilene and Jim were privileged to have an open home for meetings. They had a bible study in their home beginning in 1973 and then added a Union Sunday meeting in 1994. One special union Sunday there were 87 people in their home for meeting. One of Wilene’s greatest joys and measure of peace when her diagnosis arrived was the thought that she was going Home.
Wilene and Jim had the honor of many guests over their years together. It delighted Jim to invite company at a moment’s notice. Wilene became an impromptu expert at making meals for everyone who ended up around the table. If one was ever in their home they signed the guest book, to this day there are over seven completed guest books, filled with the love for Wilene, Jim and her family.
Wilene is proceeded in death by her sunshine boy Joel, dad William Wallis and Carl Soderberg, in-laws Edna Bridger, Gen and Allen Bridger, brother Fred and wife Dixie Wallis, brothers-in-law Irvin Moen, William and Leonard Bridger and sister-in-law Peggy Bridger and sister Donna Wisseman. Wilene is survived by her husband of 51 years Jim, daughter Paula (Chris) Jones, Momma Pauline Wallis Soderberg, Sisters: Wanda (Dave) Coles, Wanita (Dan) Mercer, and Wren Moen, Vicki (Chuck) Mishler and Linda Noe, also by sisters-in-law Marit and Mary Bridger. She also leaves behind the precious gift she always wanted grandsons Kayven, Percy and Wyatt. Wilene was aunt, cousin and a friend to those too numerous to count. She will be deeply missed by all.
Jim, Paula and Family would like to thank the many family and friends who loved our Wilene. Those who came to visit Wilene from far and near, those who sent love and well wishes and help in so many ways through her last months. Additionally, we would like to express our gratitude to the St. Pete’s Hospice program specifically Allison and Karissa for your support and care during this time. You have become part of our family- thank you for your love and compassion.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 26, 2022
Jim Darcy Elementary School Gymnasium
990 Lincoln Rd W
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 26, 2022
Jim Darcy Elementary School Gymnasium
990 Lincoln Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Potluck Reception
Following Funeral Service
Saturday February 26, 2022
Jim Darcy Elementary School Cafeteria
990 Lincoln Road
,
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 26, 2022
Jim Darcy Elementary School Gymnasium
990 Lincoln Rd W
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 26, 2022
Jim Darcy Elementary School Gymnasium
990 Lincoln Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Potluck Reception
Following Funeral Service
Saturday February 26, 2022
Jim Darcy Elementary School Cafeteria
990 Lincoln Road
,
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Mary Cleveland says
I am saddened that we had only short moments at the volleyball games. She exuded God’s love and joy. And I know this one thing for sure.. scripture says whatever God does nothing can reverse it. The seeds she planted in all those people’s lives God will cause to grow..quite a tribute!! Healing and prayer for those left behind.
Teri Vore says
I so enjoyed reading about Wilene’s joy-filled life. Her love and compassion will live on in all those who knew her.
Diana Cotton Hall says
Enjoyed knowing Wilene at Eastern! Loved her faith & sweet spirit. Wished we had stayed touch because I visit family in Kalispell & certainly would have enjoyed seeing her in Helena. She still looks as beautiful as ever! Diana Cotton Hall
Molly Snustad says
Paula and family-
My thoughts are with you all. My own grief is still very fresh and raw and I understand how painful it is right now. She lived a very full and blessed life, with beautiful grandsons. I look forward to seeing you sometime soon.
Ed Livingston says
My condolences to Jim and family for your loss. Wilene is now pain free and with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Kris Bruninga says
Willy I have such fond memories from West Valley School and 4H in particular. You were a wonderful wife, mom, teacher, 4H leader and friend. You will be missed!
Bob Joyce says
Jim I didn’t get the honor of meeting Wilene, but she sounds like a very special person in your 51 years. Knowing you as I do it took a very strong woman to keep you in line. I have known you since EMC and know what a special person you were and it sounds as if Wilene was a very special person to you and your family will surely miss her. Just a side note Jim: my oldest daughter went to school with your daughter Paula. May you and your family have the strength to carry on Wilene’s goal in life.
Sorry for your loss my friend.
.
Phil, Patty and Courtney says
Paula and Jim,
Although it’s been years since we have seen any of your family, we were saddened to learn of your mama’s passing. She was always such a spark of happiness when we talked to her at sporting events and such a brave lady when she lost her beloved Joel. Courtney had fond memories of her and your family also. Paula, you had an amazing mom and we send our love and a big hug to all of you.
Jay Wadman says
Jim and family. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Sheree (Jansen) McKinley says
Wilene was very “special “ to me & my family. She took care of my two brothers & myself while my Mom & Dad ( Wilbur & Zoe Jansen) went on a vacation! My folks couldn’t have picked a better care taker, she cooked, cleaned, & made sure we got to school everyday for 2 weeks while she attended her last year at Lavina high school, as a senior! She was so sweet kind and very loving and I will always remember her kindness! May she rest in peace. The Lord gained a wonderful angel amen. May the lord Bless & keep her family at this difficult time! Thoughts & prayers to all of you! ❤️❤️Love, Sheree(Jansen) McKinley
Dan & Kaaren Arnoux says
So many thoughts and prayers to you Jim and family. No one’s smile was ever bigger or pulled you in as Wilis. We had not heard about this battle she fought til now but know you are always in our hearts. Love Dan and Kaaren
Judy Anderson says
Jim and family: Was saddened to read about Wilene. We haven’t seen you for years but always enjoyed your company when we did, whether it was in a parking lot or at Barleys when you came in. And Jim, I remember you being our UPS man when we lived in Lakeside. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Wilene was a gracious and lovely lady. Love & Hugs from Terry and Judy Anderson.
Cheryl Beck says
Jim, Paula, and family, I was so very saddened to learn of Wilene’s passing, but I know she is now at perfect peace and pain free with our loving Jesus–and what a glorious reunion we will all have some day! She was always such a joy to so many, and she will be missed tremendously. I loved seeing her love and devotion for all of you–that will be forever a special memory for me. I will continue to pray for all of you to be surrounded by God’s love and peace.
Sandy Koness says
My memories of Wilene are filled with laughter and singing – it seemed she loved both. I met Wilene while singing for Valley Voices; she was an alto, so was I. Sometimes we sat together during practice, but we always stood near one another in a concert. We would playfully argue about who was taller, and would then have to stand in the back row on the risers. I usually lost that bout, but teased that I would grab her if I started to fall. I enjoyed Wilene’s lovely voice, her smile and laughter. She will be missed by many, I’m sure, but her absence will definitely be felt in the alto section of Valley Voices.
Sandy Koness
Sandy Evenson says
Jim, Paula and family–that beautiful contagious smile of Wilene’s is one of the things I remember most about her, no matter was was being dealt to your family at the time, I’m sure it came from her faith in God. It really doesn’t seem like that long ago we were at 4-H meetings at your house, how time flies! I was saddened to hear of Wilene’s passing as I know you are also. I’m glad I found this caring bridge site this evening and was able to read through your beautiful heartfelt posts. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers during this time.
Jonah says
Wilene was so kind and friendly to me when I joined Valley Voices. We would get together at her home and she would “plunk” out the notes of the music we were to learn. Those sessions were always so fun, we laughed a lot! She was so sweet to say she liked standing side by side in the choir with me. Because I didn’t read music I was always leaning over to hear the notes as she sang. She usually assured me that I was singing the right notes… but she always helped me get it right. Wilene was a bright shining light to those around her. Always with a beautiful smile. I saw the wonderful joy and love she and Jim shared. I will miss her but look forward to seeing her again!
Margaret A. Strainer says
Praise be! Big hugs and much appreciation and love for sharing and a big life well lived!
Rosemary Gilbert says
Dear Jim and Family,
Please accept my very tardy condolences. I truly just learned of Wilene’s passing moments ago. What a dear sweet woman and I feel so lucky to have met and visited with over our time together in DREAM. I was so surprised, excited and pleased by our serendipitous meeting in the mall parking lot in Missoula last year. Please know that I keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you all wade through your incredible loss. I know your hearts are broken, but also know heaven has gained a special angel and can only imagine how happy she is to be reunited with your loving son. My very best to all of you.
Lynne C Brett says
Dear Jim and family, I stopped yesterday at the West Valley cemetery as I do several times a year to see the beautiful wildflowers and view. As I walked over to visit Joel’s grave I saw the new headstone and saw that Wilene had passed on Feb 14th of this year. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending heartfelt love and a big hug. Wilene was such a light! Her smile and laugh lit up the world! I am blessed to have known her! I recently retired and had sent a letter to your address in Village Greens but it was returned, so I am glad to know that you are in Helena now with your family and grandchildren. Much love ❤️