Constance Lee (“Connie”) Gillette passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 6, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.
Born July 27, 1950 in Fort Collins, Colorado, Connie led a life of selfless devotion to family, friends, and community. Daughter of Fred and Mildred Boyle, she grew up riding horses, driving cattle, and playing in the hills and pastures of the Boyle Ranch on Pine Creek near Red Feather Lakes. She later attended high school in Miles City and Wilsall, Montana, graduating in 1969. She married Richard Lennemann, with whom she was blessed with two children, Andrea Lynn and Michael Scott. In 1975 she moved to Seattle, where she was an administrator for the prominent marketing firm of Richardson, Seigle, Rolfs, and McCoy. Returning to Miles City, Connie married Sherman Chezum; a daughter, Amy Marie, was born in 1980. The couple raised their family near the Chezum Ranch, southwest of Miles City. Connie later married Jerome Muggli, and a third daughter, Danielle Michelle, arrived in 1985.
In 1998 Connie moved to Helena, where her unsparing leadership in IT project management played a major role in the modernization of state agencies, including the Department of Corrections and the Department of Environmental Quality. At MDOC, she was instrumental in the development of the WATCH Program.
Connie returned to Miles City in 2009. Having a deep appreciation for history and love for her adoptive home town, she was a passionate advocate for restoration and preservation. She championed many projects, chaired the Custer County Historical Society, and instigated the establishment of the Downtown Urban Renewal Commission. She fully believed “You have to know where you come from before you can truly know where you’re going.” As a city employee, she also wrote grants to fund such capital acquisitions as ambulances.
Connie had a love of reading. Particularly fond of novels, she said, “Books are a wonderful thing and should always be respected, even if you don’t agree with what is in them. They help us to see the world through different eyes and, more importantly, allow us the opportunity to escape.” Other loves included home and antiques restoration.
She was best known for her quick-witted humor, fierce determination, and generous spirit. She had an inexhaustible love for her family and the many friends she “adopted” as family. Her home was rarely empty.
In 2009, on her arrival back in Miles City, Connie met her future husband, Todd Gillette. Wed in April 2018, Connie and Todd found love, purpose, humor, and comfort in a marriage lacking nothing but, ultimately, sufficient time.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Mildred Boyle, by siblings Dorothy Haymart, Jackie Helton, and Elizabeth Simpson, and her grandson Alec Lennemann. She is survived by her husband, Todd, and by her children, Andrea Worley of Austin, Texas, Scott Lennemann of Shelby, Montana, Amy Chezum of Everett, Washington, and Danielle Muggli of Winston, Montana; by seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and by siblings John Boyle, Casey Boyle, Richard Boyle, Patty Maxwell, and Robin Moore.
Beloved by all who knew her grace and spirit, Connie will be dearly missed.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery Luncheon will be held at the church following services. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Custer County Historical Society or WaterWorks Art Museum.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 12, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday October 13, 2022
First Lutheran Church
512 Cale Avenue
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Thursday October 13, 2022
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 12, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday October 13, 2022
First Lutheran Church
512 Cale Avenue
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Thursday October 13, 2022
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Jim & Marj Anderson says
Oh Amy
So sorry for your loss. I’m glad you were able to be here with your Mom. Our thought and prayers are with you. Cherish the memories.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
I am so very sorry to see Connie has passed away. May all the family know you are in our minds and hearts as you struggle through your grief.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Extendind our deep sympathy to the family. We loved our visits and conversations with her about preserving and restoring things in general and in the end about God and life everlasting with Jesus. Rest in peace dear friend.
Andrea says
Dear Connie, we had some great times both working together and socializing.
You will always be remembered.
My sincerest sympathy to Todd and family at this time of grief.
Dawn C says
To my dear friend – i will miss you always. What a great friend and remarkable person you are!
Jan Munroe says
I think of the years and years of friendship we have had and feel blessed we were able to reconnect. We had some wonderful laughs, projects, and serious discussions. This kind of friendship happens rarely in our lives and is to be cherished. My condolences to Todd, and to Connie’s children and extended family. It’s going to be pretty lonesome for a while.
cheryl robinson says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Kate Terrett says
Connie was a light in this world and she was a dear friend to me,
I know she will be missed by all that knew her..We had a lot of laughs and enjoyed the shared history of your house ..I know she wanted to preserve the home with such Authenticity as to the original home . Connie loved her people and if you were her people you knew it .
Sally Richardson says
I have known Connie for over 50 years. We went to high school together, then went our separate ways and reconnected again. I loved her wit…she had such a great sense of humor. She cared deeply about her friends and family and was always involved in projects that dearly meant something to her. I will miss her …and I am so glad she was a part of my life. Farewell my friend.
Yvette Bouchard says
So very sorry to hear the news about Connie. Todd, you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We love you,
Stuart, Yvette, Maddy and Sydney Gillette
Jeff Faycosh says
Very sorry to learn of Connie’s passing. Prayers of comfort to her family.
Chris Hopkins says
I really enjoyed working with Connie and then bumping into her in town every now and then. It was always a joy to interact with her. She will be missed!
Joan & Robert Lunder says
condolences to Todd, and to Connie’s children. We had a lot of fun in past years and lots of stories. So sorry to hear you are gone, but there will be another time.
Troy and Barb Coyle says
Scott Andrea Amy and Dannielle.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mom. It is never easy no matter how prepared you are for it. Our love and prayers to all of of you. Love uncle Troy and aunt Barb
Maryjo Barnard says
Connie will be loved by all who knew her, forever in their hearts. She’s just that kind of person. I’ll miss our conversations and laughter. Rest easy my friend.
Joe and Cathi Peila says
Todd and all of Connie’s family: We are so so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
Connie Metcalfe says
I am sorry to hear of Connie’s passing. With love and sympathy.
Myron & Mary Beth Kibler says
Dear Scott Andrea Amy and Dannielle,
We’re sorry to hear your mom passed. Remember all the good times with her and may peace be with you each as our Lord consoles you that, there is no pain in heaven and you will see her again one day.
Lori Clark says
Connie was a beautiful soul. She was always so kind. I will miss her and our conversations at ace. Bless ur family and loved ones. We will see each other again when I pass through those pearly gates.
Mollie Phipps says
Words have escaped me. I met Connie later in my life and I cherish the time we had together. I know she is in heaven she has hugged all of those who went before her. I imagine Kathy Doeden was there waiting for her. So much love to her family. Her faith was deep, I was there for her last communion, it was my honor to bring it to her and have one last hug. Fly high with the angels and I will see you in heaven!
KEN & LORRETA STEIN says
Todd and family
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. Connie was definitely one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all of us.
Sue Stanton Morlock says
I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. May God wrap his arms around Todd and the rest of Connie’s family and dear friends to bring healing to the many grieving hearts. Her life has been a tribute and she will be missed more than words can express.
Shannon Holmen says
Todd, so sorry to hear about sweet Connie. She will be missed by so many.
Karla & Barney Murnin says
We are amongst those who were blessed to know Connie and be on the receiving end of her knowledge, humor, generosity and many talents! Our hearts are with you Todd and her family. May you be comforted in this time.
Dennis & Meredith Hirsch says
Todd I am so sorry to hear about about Connie she was great to work with and a great pleasure to know her
Larry Dann says
So very sorry to hear of Connie`s passing. Sympathy and best wishes to you Todd. Lots of prayers.
If there is anything Leona and I can do for you, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Leona and Larry Dann
Debbie Weyer says
Todd, I am so sorry to hear this. May God comfort you during this difficult time. “DEATH, leaves a heartache no one can heal; LOVE, leaves a memory no one can steal” author unknown.
Sharon Moore says
My condolences on your loss. We shared a love of historic buildings, and I appreciated her insight and advice many times over the years. I’ll miss visiting with her and sharing restoration stories.
Sandy McFarland-Hays says
Sending prayers and condolences to all of Connie’s family. She was a special lady.
Jan Van Hook says
Dani, Russ and I are heartbroken for you and your family. Please know we are thinking of you and sending you love, light and strength. We are here for you. Love, Russ and Jan
Donna Orthman says
To Connie’s family,
I am sorry to hear of her passing. I had the pleasure of working with her many years ago and always enjoyed her. The last time I saw Connie was less than a month ago and we had a very nice conversation. I didn’t see Connie often but always enjoyed the time I did and we always were able to share a laugh and a big smile.
Donna Orthman
Preston L Willson says
Dani and family, I’m so sorry I missed Connie’s service. We were gone and I didn’t find out about it until today. Your mother was one of a kind, she and I had many “heart to heart” talks through the years. She will truly be missed, Take care of your self, Love Preston
Cathy Pyle says
S0 very sorry for all who lost my sweet friend Connie! She truly will be missed! With love Cathy Pyle
Marjy Hardy says
Todd, and family
I’m so sorry for your loss, prayers to you all.