Elsie Iola Peavler Codenys
On the afternoon of December 9, 2015, Elsie passed away peacefully at Rosebud Health Care Center Nursing Home. Her daughter, Iola Harris, who visited Elsie daily, was with her at the time of her passing. Elsie was 86 years old.
Elsie was born on December 5, 1929 in Basin, Wyoming to Eva and Carl Peavler. She was the first of two daughters born to Eva and Carl.
Elsie graduated from high school in Greybull, Wyoming. She left home and went to Business College in Denver, Colorado. While attending school, she lived with a lawyer’s family and worked in the lawyer’s office. After graduating, she returned to Greybull.
Elsie met the love of her life, Albert Codenys, in Greybull, Wyoming when Albert was delivering a motorcycle to his cousin, Bob, who just happened to be married to Elsie’s sister, Eilene. The two were married on August 12, 1950. Elsie worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for 33 years, where she was instrumental in helping with the computerization of the Bureau’s payroll system.
In 1957, Elsie and Albert were blessed with the birth of their only child, a daughter, Iola. 20 years later, Elsie welcomed into her family Iola’s husband, Gregory Harris, whom she considered to be her son. Her family grew by two with the arrivals of grandsons Benjamin and Jeremiah.
Elsie was very devoted to her work, but she enjoyed many other interests as well. She was a volunteer and officer at NARFE. Elsie was actively involved in helping the families of deceased retired federal employees to obtain their federal family benefits. She was also a member of ABWA and Rebekah Lodge. Elsie was a volunteer at St. Vincent Health Care for many years.
Elsie loved to dance. She and Albert belonged to the Billings Polka Club, and they were feverishly devoted to dancing at the Moose Lodge and BPOE Elks Lodge. Elsie and Albert enjoyed several bus trips to eastern Canada, and the southern and eastern United States.
Elsie is survived by her daughter, Iola Harris; grandson Benjamin (Katherine) Harris; grandson Jeremiah (Nikki) Harris; great-grandchildren Liberty, Jaxon, and Avery; sister, Eilene Codenys; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, who were dear to her heart. Elsie was pre-deceased by her mother and stepfather, Bill Greene; and her son-in-law, Gregory Harris.
Although our hearts are heavy at the loss of our mother and grandmother, we find comfort in imagining her dancing with Albert and laughing with Greg in Heaven.
For the last three years, Elsie has been in the loving care of the staff of Rosebud Health Care Center Nursing Home in Forsyth, Montana. Elsie’s family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be given to RHCC Nursing Home, PO Box 268, Forsyth, MT 59327.
Funeral services will be at 1:30pm, Saturday, December 12 at Faith Chapel in Billings. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth, MT are in charge of arrangements. Remembrances may be shared at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Laurie Lelm says
Iola, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Elsie was an awesome lady. She stole a place in my heart from the first day I met her. I loved visiting with her. I am so glad i met her, she will always be in my heart. I loved her like she was a part of my family, well to me she was. She will be missed by many.
Cathy Byron says
Iola,
My heart sank when I read this name. You have been such a faithful daughter. It’s tough to say goodbye to a mother. It makes it even tougher when the separation comes during the holiday season. Your comfort will come through your strong faith and knowing that she can dance and sing and enjoy an eternal reunion with your father. My heart and prayers are with you. Asking for God’s choicest blessing on you and yours at this difficult time.
Debbie Anderson says
Iola, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom. I know she is in paradise with our Savior; no more pain, no more confusion. I remember her with a great sense of humor and a very loving smile. She was a great lady & she will be missed by many of us. Keep your great memories close; she is alive in your heart. I am so sorry I will miss her funeral as I will be out of town this weekend, but I know I will be thinking of you and your mom. I am happy for you that you will have a new beginning in Chicago and I wish you all the best.
Margie Shea says
Iola,
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Your Mother was a special person . I will always remember the beautiful flowers she brought into the Women’s Center . Take care of yourself now .
Althea Scharen Johnston says
Iola, I was saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was ever so kind the many times I stayed with them. When my Mom had a stroke and was in the hospital in Billings, they had me stay with them and drove me back and forth to the hospital. The kindness and caring they gave me was generous and greatly appreciated. I LOVED her sense of humor.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Billie Vassau says
Elsie was my first boss at BIA and I credit her with teaching me the basics for being a dependable, productive, long term employee – we had a great time at the office and I have find memories of Ms Elsie – God bless you & your family, iola – you will be in my thoughts – Billie
Tammy Job Burt says
Iola and Boys-
I was so sorry to see that Elsie had passed. I am so glad I went to see her the
summer of 2014. The twinkle in her eye was still there and I loved her smile
and her laugh. She was one of the most special persons in my life growing up
and I loved her and your Dad very much.
I will always remember the great times at your family home.
God Bless you all. She will be missed immensely.
Tammy
Mary Pickens says
Iola and Boys,
Sorry to read of Elsies passing she was always so full of life.I Loved it when her and Albert would come to visit Grandma and Granddad she always had great stories and adventures to talk about.I hope you find comfort in your memories.Thinking of you and your family.
Mary
Debbie Anderson says
Iola, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry about the loss of your mom (grandma). She had a great sense of humor & there was always a smile on her face. She will be missed by many. Keep your memories close & she will live in your hearts forever.
Connie Capra says
Iola, you are in my thoughts and prayers! Hugs and warm thoughts headed your way!
Karen Weamer says
Iola & Family, It is hard to lose a mother especially at Christmas time. Your good memories of her will help you through the days ahead. My deepest sympathy & prayers for all of you. Karen