“The person I picked for my Family Tree is my Grandmother, Donna Coate. She was born in Hingham, Montana, on November 23, 1934. My great Grandparents paid a bag of beans to the midwife to deliver her. This was at the height of the Great Depression. She was so small she fit into a shoebox. Later she moved to Helena, Montana where she attended area schools, graduating from high school in 1952. In September of 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, LeRoy Larson. In 1954 they had their first baby Lenore, who is my mother. Later, they had two other children, my Uncles Lane and Lance. In 1960 my Grandfather LeRoy was burned in a service station fire where he worked. A month later he died of his injuries. Three years later my Grandmother met and married Alfred B. Coate. They had two children, my Uncle Jesse and my Aunt Clarisse. My Grandfather Coate was appointed District Judge in 1967, and the family moved from Helena, MT to Forsyth MT. My Grandma and Grandpa live there now where my Grandma enjoys golfing, gardening, going for walks on the Nature Trail, and enjoying her grandsons of whom she has six. Forsyth is my favorite place to go.”
Donna’s eldest grandson, Brick, wrote this biography in about 1988 for a school project. Donna was blessed after this story was written with five additional grandchildren.
Donna is survived by her five children and their families; Lenore, Michael, Brick and Judson Meatovich of Henderson, NV.; Lane, Lynn, Lee and Luke (Simone) Larson of Billings, MT; Lance, Candace, Preston (Kira) and Seth (Reilly) Larson of Billings, MT.; Jesse, Paula, Ben and Leah Coate of Forsyth, MT; and Clarisse, Alan, Austin, Mackenzie and Emma Roos of Bozeman, MT. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she was also blessed by two great-grandchildren; Lacie Larson and Harper Meatovich. She is also survived by her brother Gayle (Loretta) Patrick of Malta, MT. and sisters, Ralpha Smith of East Helena, MT and Patricia (George) Taylor of Helena, MT.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Ralph and Ruth Patrick and two brothers; Shelby and David. Her two husbands; A Leroy Larson and Alfred B. Coate and her infant daughter Leisa DeAnn also preceded her in death.
Although extremely talented in so many areas, she was always most proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of the boards of Riverview Villa, Rosebud County Museum and the Montana State Historical Preservation Office. She was extremely involved and dedicated to the Forsyth Country Club Ladies League for 30 years. She was also very proud of Forsyth and took an active part in helping to get many houses placed on the National Historic register. She was a gifted artist, gardener, decorator and seamstress. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends and family at the 19th hole.
The family wishes to thank the entire staff at the Rosebud County Health Care Center. The care they gave was exceptional and very much appreciated. The family would also like to thank all of mom’s wonderful friends for supporting us during this difficult time.
Please join us for a celebration of life Friday, November 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the Forsyth Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Rosebud County Museum.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
7:00 PM
Friday November 16, 2012
Forsyth Country Club
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
7:00 PM
Friday November 16, 2012
Forsyth Country Club
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Connie Brown says
To Donna’s family:
Your mom was a very vital part of the community, and we are truly going to miss her. I am so sorry for your families loss ! What a blessing you had in having these last weeks to say your good-byes and tell each other how much you love them. May God Bless Each & Everyone of You and know there are many still praying for your family.
Pat & Bob Corbin says
So sorry to hear about Donna, she was a very special lady. She will missed in the community. I hope it helps to know that she is not sick any more and resting in peace now.
You are in our thoughts and prayer.
Sonja Crocker says
May our Lord give you each peace and comfort. I know you will miss her.
Vickie and Dennis Krause says
What a amazing woman! I enjoyed your Mother so much. She shared so many wonderful stories with me about her family. I feel like I know each of you thru her., but don’t ask me what face goes with the names. She will be greatly missed by all.
Jobie and Karen Morris says
We are saddened by your loss. We feel blessed that we had the opportunity to play a small part in Donna’s life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Peggy and Earl says
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the passing of your beloved Mother. May it help knowing others care, and are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and our community. May you find peace in memories, and comfort in the love of family and friends.
Joan Jellison says
What a wonderful sister-in-law/friend to me! I treasure all our good times together. I shall always feel blessed to be a part of her family.
Ray & Sandy Rimer says
Aunt Donna was always a favorite with our family. She was always quick to laugh and share an interesting story.
Donna was dearly loved and will missed. May she be smiling down from heaven and her love of family be cherished forever.
Sheila and Monty Haselhuhn says
Your mother was a grand lady who was always willing to help others. She always had a smile on her face and something pleasant to say. She worked hard in the community and she loved her family. She will be missed by so very many people. Hold your memories of her dear to your hearts for she will never be forgotten.
Dolly Morrison says
I will miss our friend Donna very much. I have enjoyed our friendship over the years. We had such good times whether it be golfing, or just sitting on one of our decks drinking beer and visiting with our other friends. I feel like all of her family is part of my family and have enjoyed watching Brick and Judson grow into fine young men. Donna was so proud of all of her family. I want you all to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.With Love, Dolly
Shari Swanson says
I am a cousin of Leroy Larson’s and I remember your mother as a beautiful young woman, quiet, and the new mother of Lenore, a porcelain little doll with a reddish tint to her hair who was sitting on a blanket on our living room floor in the most lovely little dress. Her parents were very proud of her. I met Lane and Lance in the ’90’s and spent some time corresponding with Lane during his political life. I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. May you find solace in the memories you cherish of her.
Judson Meatovich says
I am going to miss my grandma very very much. She’s responsible for interesting me in the great game of golf and inspired me to be an artist. I can’t wait to take Harper to Forsyth Country Club and teach her the game at the very same place I learned. I also remember really enjoying teasing her so much and she was always a good sport about it. I will miss you very much grandma. Love you very much.
Martha Kohl says
It was such a privilege to know and work with Donna. She and I conspired on getting National Register signs displayed in Forsyth–the signs in front of the many historic buildings there is one of her many legacies. She was such a generous, hard-working person. I’ll miss her–as a compatriot in the historic preservation and museum fields, and as a friend.
Cathy Byron says
Forsyth lost a grand lady who worked diligently to preserve the past so that others might benefit and learn from it. North 12th Avenue will not be the same without her. She has now found her peace, and we must release her to it. My prayers are with all of you …
Roberta Thiesen Ginalias says
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. What a classy lady!
Cindy Lebie says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Donna’s family. I know you will all have many happy memories.
Nancy Luther says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Donna’s family.
Nancy and George Luther
Cheryl Coate Michaud says
How blessed I have been to have known Donna and had her as a sister-in-law. May you be at peace with her love and menories.
Bob and Jeanne Clark says
We are so very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She and Alfred were part of our life for so many years. It was very hard to lose Alfred and now we are so saddened to lose Donna. We have always admired her for her devotion to her children and grandchildren and also for her dedication to the Rosebud County Museum and the many other community projects she worked with. Her ideas and hard work will be sorely missed in the Forsyth Community. Our prayers are with each of you.
Jeff Bendewald and family says
Lenore, Lane, Lance, Jesse and the rest of the family, I am sorry for your loss. May your memories always be happy ones.
Jane Meredith Alberda says
On behalf of the Meredith family I would like to send the Larson-Coate families our deepest sympathy on Donna’s passing. Our Grandpa Meredith enjoyed your family as his neighbor for many years and we were grateful for the wonderful relationship Donna and Al and had with him. I’ll remember Donna as a classy lady who not only looked stylist but was a class act in how she treated others. You were a blessed family to have such a woman to call your mother-grandmother. My prayers will be with you as you celebrate her life.
Dave & Rene' Pulver says
Lenore, Lane, Lance, Jesse and Clarisse I need you to know that your mother will always hold a special place in my heart and I truely regret Rene and I can’t be there to pay our respects.
One the best days of my life was the day Lance broke my collar bone. It was a life changing event for me. Not only was I uniquely introduced to the person who would very soon become and remain to this day my best friend, I also met your special mother and the rest of you.
Your mother had that way of making a person feel warm and welcome no matter what kind of trouble Lance and I was getting in to and it didn’t take long before she made me feel and treated me just like another member of your great family. Not only that, Donna made, by far, the best waffles I have ate anywhere in the world. Our thoughts and love are with all of you and I promise you the next time I’m home we will have all of you and Dolly over, drink a beer on the porch and remind ourselves how fortunate we all are to have been part of Donna’s life.
Dave and Rene’ Pulver
Helen Crosby says
I will allway rememer Aunt Donna with much love, her home was allways open to all of us roudy cousin. Setting around watching all of the old movies in her and uncle Benny”s home is a special memeory of mine.
Ross Cannon says
Donna worked for me as a legal secretary when she lived in Helena. She was highly competent at her job and a lovely person I regretted it when Al Coate took her off to Forsythe. I will miss her.
Carole Carey says
Donna and Judge Coate were such a good looking couple who were gracious a could be. I know they are together now and in a much better place. Our hearts and prayers go out to all Donna’s family. You were so important to them, and they were so proud of all of you. I was Clerk of Court in Ekalaka and met them when they came to Ekalaka. Judge Coate came every month for court. Donna occasionally would ride with him. What a great couple.
Bob Sharples says
Donna is one my very favorite cousins. She always had a smile and always made me feel good whenever we would meet. Her family was her pride and joy and she was loved by all. I will surely miss her yet she has left some of herself in her wonderful sons an daughters for us to enjoy. I will keep the family in my prayers.
Mary Jo (Morton) Olson says
Donna was my first and best friend when we lived near each other in Helena during our school years. I hadn’t seen her for the last few years, but I thought about her often. She was a special person with many friends. She was so very proud of all her children and grandchildren. I know you will always be proud of her. My sympathy to you in these difficult days.
Diona & Jerry Austill says
So sorry to hear about Donna. She was such a great lady and always so enthusiastic about the Rosebud Museum. She will truly be missed!
Mark Wald says
My Deepest Sympathies to Donna’s family. So sad to hear of your loss. May God Bless you all. Great memories as a childhood friend of Jesse. One that comes to mind is raking the shag carpet in your family room after we slept or played in there. Take care Larson and Coate family.
Donna Smith says
Lenore, Lane, Lance, Jesse, Clarisse and family:
Donna was our favorite at the hospital. We miss her every day. i’m happy that she is at peace and no longer in pain and enjoying Heaven! Take care all of you.
Paula Stoll says
Lenore, Lane, Lance, Jesse, Clarisse and Family: Your mother was such a warm, thoughtful person. She was one of my mother’s best friends. Some of my fondest childhood memories were getting the two families together. Mom always looked forward to her trips to Helena. Donna, Donna Wise, Myrtle, and Mom got together just a few months ago for lunch. I’m so glad they took that opportunity.
God bless you all.
jackie and bob simpson says
i am soo saden. i will miss Donna very much. She will always be in my thoughts.
She was such a classic lady. I am so glad she is out of pain and in heaven now.
Our prayers go out to the familys. God bless all of you
Vickie Lutz says
Aunt Donna – I will miss you. You were an important part of my life growing up and staying with you Uncle Benny and my cousins in the summers. I am happy there is no more pain. You will be missed by your family so much as you made such an impact on all that knew you.
My thoughts sympathy and prayers go out to Lenore, Lane, Lance, Jesse, Clarisse and all your grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Leslie Stoll O'Neill says
Donna was such an elegant and graceful presence in the world. My childhood memories of her are still vivid. My mother, Larie, was her good friend and I treasure the memories of the times our families got together in either Helena or Forsyth. Our family sends our love and prayers for you all.
DDavis says
Jesse and family-
I remember meeting Donna and couldn’t remember when I’d met a sweeter woman! She was a beautiful soul. I am so sorry for your loss and I hope you found comfort in your memories of her.
Love and prayers,
Deidra