CARLEEN (SULLIVAN-HENDERSON) WALLIS May 24, 1929 – February 17, 2012
The only child of Arthur and Ruth Scheideggar was born in South Bend, Indiana on May 24, 1929 and rose to Heaven on the wings of angels on February 17, 2012 at the age of 82. In her early teens Carleen moved with her parents to Gary, IN where she graduated from high school. There she met and married the “love of her life”, David Joseph Sullivan on June 25, 1949 and they were blessed with five children: Cary, Leo, Gail, Nancy and Danny. They celebrated over 20 years of marriage before Dave´s sudden and tragic death in 1969 as a result of a car accident.
In January 1978 she married Lester “Dean” Henderson. While visiting Colstrip in December 1984 she fell in love with Montana and moved there the following April. During this time they became foster parents to two little sisters, Adeline and Darlene. She was devastated when she had no contact after their adoption.
Carleen worked as a substitute teacher for the Colstrip School District. After Dean´s death she owned and managed the “Lovin Oven Bakery” in Colstrip, MT with daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Jeff Beckham. She was an overall marvelous cook, her real specialty was pies and she made a great hostess because she loved socializing with people over a cup of coffee. She brought a lot of warmth and laughter to the customers and developed many long lasting friendships as a result.
On April 28, 1989 she married a third time to Donald Wallis, Sr. and they owned and operated D&K Greenhouse in Colstrip, MT. In 1992 they retired and traveled for a brief period of time with their R.V. until establishing residence at Indian Skies Resort in Coolidge, AZ. She missed Montana but really enjoyed her daily trips to the pool basking in the hot sun. Due to serious health issues, she and Don moved back to Montana in 2009 and she resided with her daughter Gail for several months while Don stayed with his daughter in Billings. They eventually moved into the South Forty Apartments until illness separated them again and she returned to live with Gail for a short while in Colstrip. In January 2010 she entered the Rosebud County Nursing Home in Forsyth, MT. Don died shortly after and she remained in the nursing home until the time of her death. While there, for as long as her health allowed, she enjoyed visiting, participating in activities and often surprised the staff with her witty sense of humor and contagious giggle.
She was very dedicated to her family and made many sacrifices during her lifetime, always thinking of others first. She had a strong commitment to God, her church, her family and putting other´s needs before her own. She loved her little dogs, dancing, playing the slot machines, sewing and embroidering, and even coloring until macular degeneration took her sight. She never ever complained even during the most painful and difficult times of her life. She faced them head-on with the strength of a giant, though she was less than 5 feet tall. She lived her life with grace and dignity and had an absolutely wonderful sense of humor; she loved to laugh and delighted in the laughter of others. Those of us who knew and loved her know how blessed we were to have her in our lives and will surely miss her genuine unconditional love and sweet, friendly smile. But we are comforted in knowing she is free of the pain of Parkinson´s disease and the toll it had taken on her body and mind.
Mom would always joke and tell people, “I was born in Indiana, got married in Montana and retired in Arizona” and now because of the way she lived her life, she resides in Heaven, where she has earned a well-deserved lasting peace and long awaited reunion with loved one’s. So, Mom now you can kick up your heels and dance to your heart´s content.
Carleen is survived by her 5 children & their spouses: Gail & Jeff Beckham of Colstrip, MT, Cary & Pat Sullivan & Dan & Lora Sullivan of Merrillville, IN; Leo & Mary Sullivan of New York; and Nancy Taylor of Florida; 16 Grandchildren: Annette Brzoska-Meekes, Jennifer Haddock, David J. Beckham, Heather Beckham, Elizabeth Sullivan, Christopher Sullivan, Kellie Pierson, Samantha Lucheon, Ryan Sullivan, George Sullivan, Patrick Sullivan, Jay Sullivan, and Jade Sullivan; 12 Great-grandchildren: Owen, Kayla, Morgan, Emily, Taylor, Kenzie, Zach, Heather, Corbin, Lilly, Kaitlyn, and Blake. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her grandchildren Amanda, Tony, and Andrew. Visitation is scheduled for 10:00 AM – 12 Noon on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the United Community Church in Colstrip, with a memorial service and luncheon to follow. Burial will take place at a later date. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. . Condolences and memories may be left online by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com . In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Rosebud Healthcare Foundation PO Box 500 Forsyth, MT 59327.
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Mae Ware says
What a beautiful lady that now is looking down upon us and smiling.
Gene-Mari Wallis-Morgan says
“mom” we shared so many good times and some bad. I know my Dad loved you to the end and I know you will see him again soon. You will be missed by my family, Donnie & Wesley loved you and all you did for them the summer they spend with you and dad. Rest in Peace sweet lady.
Sheryl Toscano says
Gail and Carleen’s Family. I remember your mom, grandma, great-grandma. She was a wonderful, nice, giving person. I loved our visits at the bakery and seeing her smile light up the room. She had endless energy and was so loved. She will me missed. I have missed her smile and kindness since she left Colstrip. Our prayers are with all of you. May she rest in peace now.
God Bless,
Tom and Sheryl Toscano
Marty & Kay Mulcahy says
Gail, we were sorry to read about the passing of your mother. You and Jeff are in our thoughts and prayers. Marty & Kay
Vi Schiffer says
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. She was a fine lady and I was able to meet her in Phoenix when I was there with Gail. God Bless you all. Vi Schiffer