Lala Dawn Zinke, age 75, of Miles City passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family.
Dawn was born in Miles City, Montana on April 25, 1949, the daughter of Kent & Dawn Elizabeth “Betty” Henderson. She grew up and attended schools in Miles City. Dawn married Pat Hager and they were blessed with four children: John, Sherri, Ken & Jolee. Pat and Dawn later divorced. Later on she had her “Golden Boy”, BJ. Dawn married Ed Zinke in 1988. She was a hard worker and had a great work ethic. She always stressed the importance of showing up and working hard. Dawn worked for many years as a cook at various restaurants in Miles City including the Red Rock Café, Airport Inn, Gallaghers, Walmart Deli and she also worked at the 600 Café. After her kids were grown, Dawn and Ed became foster parents, eventually adopting two of their foster daughters, Abigail and Annabelle.
Dawn loved her kids and grandkids. She always cooked for everyone and especially loved making Sunday breakfast for her family. She enjoyed the outdoors and loved camping and taking trips to Tongue River Reservoir, Fort Peck and Hell Creek. She liked animals, especially her chickens, turkeys and small dogs. Dawn was always up for a game of cards. Dawn was rarely found without a cigarette in her hand and would often say “I’m just sitting here watching tv smoking a cigie!”.
Dawn is survived by her husband Ed; children: John Hager; Sheri Gatlin and her children Miley and Kylie; Ken Hager and his children Lauren, Kayden, Tanner and Laryssa; Jolee Hager and her children Nekayla, Bryce and Jolie; BJ Hager and his children Avi, Brenan, Brodie, Brylee, Brayden and Bridger; adopted daughters: Abigail Zinke and Annabelle Zinke; and her step daughters: Heather and her children Eric, Mashayla and Thomas; and Heidi and her children Sheldon, Dane and Paxton; and all her great grandkids.
She was preceded in death by her parents and numerous other family members.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Erin’s Hope Project, 2215 Edgewood Street, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 29, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 29, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Destiny & Levi Carlson says
Some people leave impressions in your soul. Momma Dawn was genuine, blunt, a lil feisty and true!! All the things I adored about her! I am blessed and a better person for having worked with her and having her apart of my life all these years. May you all find comfort and peace in the days ahead.
God Bless,
Dizzy Dezzy
Amy L Hartgrave says
She taught me how to cook at the villa…I absolutely loved her…I enjoyed seeing her ay Walmart n chit chatting …love n hugs to the family she was an amazing ladyy
Ana says
So sorry for your loss. She will always be remembered. Hugs to all. She will be so missed 🙏❤️
Michelle simpson says
Rest in peace, my dear dear friend, you and I have known each other since our sons were in grade school. I always enjoyed our visits. God bless your family and give them strength and courage in the days the weeks and the years ahead.
Deb Jerrel says
I am heartbroken!!💔 I loved that woman so much. So much fun working with her at Walmart and the nickname she had for me. Chiquita is going to miss you sister, hugs to her family.❣️
Vickie A says
Dawn was such a genuine, hardworking, good lady. I will miss her hugs and our visits. My condolences to her family.
Darbie Karch says
Such a hard working gal that would tell you like it was!! 🙂 I really enjoyed working with her many years ago at the 4B’s. She was a great cook too. You will be missed and I am glad you are pain free. Fly high lady!
Tanya and Steve Cox says
Dawn you truly have put an impact on Steve and my self It was a joy to work with you , you touched our hearts t thought me so much!!!!! Fly hi Dawn!!!!!
Sandi Kohones says
I am so sorry to learn of this loss! Dawn was a wonderful person and one I will miss seeing and visiting with at St Vincent’s ! Prayers for the family during this sad time.
Darbie Karch and family says
So saddened to hear of Dawn passing. I sure liked her she one tough cookie. She would tell you like it was no sugar coating what she said. 🙂 Enjoyed working with her years ago at the 4B’s. She was a hard worker and a great cook. You will be missed . Rip Dawn! 🙏
Martha Crandall says
I am so sorry. My sympathy.
Mary Vetch says
Ed and family I’m so sorry for your loss. Dawn was a wonderful lady. I love working with her at Walmart . Let her rest in peace. I will miss her
Denise Borntrager says
My condolences to Ed Zinke, family and friends at this difficult time. Remember the fonds memories and cherish them.
Martha Crandall says
So sorry. My sympathy.
Peggy Dorothy Smotherman says
I’m sorry to all of Dawn’s family for your loss. Dawn and I went back to over 50 years ago. She was one of a kind for sure with a heart of gold!! A friend to many! May God bring you all peace and comfort during this time and always!
Danette & David Olguin says
So sorry for the loss of your dear mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Keep all your memories close to your heart ❤️🙏🏼😢
Joyce Freeman says
Ed and all of Dawn’s family : She was a very special lady and I am glad to have known her. May you all cherish the memories of this wonderful lady. I am so sorry for your loss.
Deborah Zignego says
I will miss you, dear cousin. Until we meet again over the rainbow.
Leo and Anita palmer says
Dawn was a good friend to me and I miss her. Lots of memories. My prayers go out to the family.
Eileen Entzel says
Prayers for the family. Dawn was aways a caring person
Kent and Marci Fandrich says
Ken sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.