The picture is mom “supervising” her wonderful son Doryld rototilling her garden. Planting and growing was mom’s life. She won awards for her roses and flowers.
Our mother, Julia A Yonkaitis Hall, died December 1, 2015 at the Rosebud HealthCare Center in Forsyth, MT at the age of 85, from cancer.
Mom was born in Musselshell, Montana on December 5, 1929 to Toni and Victoria Yonkaitis. She talked of her young life in Thurlow, bouncing rocks off Uncle Johnny’s head and of putting dead muskrats in Uncle Eddie’s bed – and they couldn’t do anything because she could run faster than they could.
Julia came to Forsyth young and worked until she married James O. Strong, Jr. To this union two daughters were born: Judith Lee Strong (McPhail) and Ruthie Elizabeth Strong (Johnson). They lived at Colstrip. They separated and she later married Doryld Lee Watson. Three children were born to this union: Darla Lee Watson (Barkley), Melissa Ann Watson (Norman) and then the wonderful boy, Doryld Lee Watson. They lived in Glendive, where she took up bowling. Mom was a champion-winning many awards and trophies. Later she donated to Special Olympics.
Later mom married Delmire Hall in Billings, MT and they moved to Albany, Oregon. She moved back to Forsyth four years ago. Mom was always a lover of birds, her garden, and “let’s play cards”. She had a great sense of humor and a saying for every life occurrence. Mom had so much fun playing cards at the Senior Center and our Library, and sitting on her back porch looking at her birds, garden, and her beautiful view.
We are honoring mother’s request to have private family services. Thank you.
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.
Harriet & Veryl Jansen says
Was saddened to hear of the passing of Julia. She will be missed playing cards which she loved to do. Sincere Sympathy and Prayers to all of her family. Will be unable to attend services but our thoughts are with all of you. The Jansen’s
Breezy Leary says
Words of comfort are hard to give in a time of sorrow.. I am truly lucky and blessed to have my best friend, Ruthie, and that she shared her Momma, Julie Hall, with me. I went with Ruthie to visit Momma in Oregon and then in Forsyth, but I was able to spend many hours talking to her on the phone. We would chat and chat, laugh, talk about everything and talk about nothing.
To all of Julie’s family, I hope there is some comfort in this time loss, of good memories.
I will truly miss her.
With love, Velma
Dwayne Albertson says
My sympathy to the family of a wonderful lady. Julie was a gentle soul who made every meeting special. Her flower garden brightened many a day, as did her friendly greeting. (And she played a mean game of pinochle too.)
Pam Patterson says
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE, JULIE WAS A GREAT AND GIVING LADY. THE FLOWER BULBS SHE GAVE ME LAST FALL WILL HAVE A SPECIAL SPACE IN MY FLOWER BED. MY JULIE FLOWERS. WILL MISS HER SMILING FACE. PAM
Sam and Ann Stuart says
We are so sorry for your families loss. I loved playing cards and visiting with Julie. She always had a smile and a kind word. She was a beautiful lady inside and out.
Sam and Ann
Thelma and Jim Beyl says
So sorry to hear about Julie passing. We will miss her playing Pinochle, but I’m sure that she is feeling better now.God Bless you Julie. RIP. Thelma and Jim
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences. I visited with Julie several times at the Center which I surely enjoyed.
Connie Brown says
Ruthie and family,
Sorry for your families loss! What a neat lady she was and what special memories you will always carry and cherish! May the God of love bring you comfort and peace.
Judy Taylor says
I remember a trip to Ingomar with her & ladies from the Senior center and she kept us laughing all the way, she was so much fun!! I send my condolences to the family and all my prayers go with them.
Misty Morris says
I just cry.. Love u so much Gramma.. I’ll never forget the great memories spending the summers with u and Grandpa.. I’m going to miss u so much.. Heartbreaking. . Life will never be the same.. I’m truly going to miss you.. Love you Gramma..
Ron and Carol Moore says
Ruthie and family,
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Denise Boggs -Burk says
Ruthie, Rusty, Misty, Stephanie & families,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. All my love.
Lori and Ken Reierson says
I’m sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe and Pam Ash says
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and blessings.
Nita oden says
So sorry for your loss Darla. My prayers are with you
Barb & Dick Allard says
Ruthie and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Barb and Dick Allard
Deb Dumler says
Ruthie & Judy and families,
I am so sorry to hear the passing of your Mom. I have some fond menories of keeping score for her bowling team in Billings. We always visited every time she bowled. then I had the opportunity to practice with her once and that was a long time ago,
I will keep you all in my prayers too. May the Lord be with each of you through this difficult time .
deb dumler
Arlen & Barbie Kirkaldie says
with deepest Sympathy , our prayers are with you . God Bless you all .
Bill and Joby Parker says
Dear Ruthie and family,
So very sorry to hear of Julia’s passing. She was such a sweet and loving person. We will miss her very much at cards. We all had fun times together with her wonderful sense of humor. We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers!
Bill and Joby
Dale and Rita Watson says
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Evelyn Neary says
Darla and Melissa and families, so sorry for the loss of your mom. What a wonderful lady she was!! Know that you are in my thoughts and have my sympathies and prayers.
Charity Allen (Elmore ) says
Sorry to hear this happened to all the family members.
Darla and doryld I’m sorry I never met your mother but I’m sorry for your families lost. May god bless you all during this difficult time.
Sherrie Deviney Trevino says
Darla, Melissa and Doryld I am so sorry to learn of your mothers passing. My thoughts,prayers, and sympathy to you all.
Jack and Kirsten Crocker says
Prayer’s for your family.
Bobbee Heberle says
I loved Julie, and I will miss my weekly visit when she came got her hair done with me. She was a strong,smart and goodhearted women,with a great sense of humor:)
Janis Oxford says
Darla and family, so sorry to fear of your Moms passing. May God walk you through this time and know that your are in my thoughts and prayers.
Anita Kurtz says
Dear Ruthie and family,
You have been in our thoughts and prayers since hearing of your Mom’ battle of with cancer.
Know that she is pain free and in God’s arms. May your memories bring you comfort and knowing you are a tribute to her. I so enjoyed her flowers and visiting with her when I walked around the Villa. Love & Prayers, Anita and Gene