Elphie passed away on February 20, 2020. She was born January 7, 1925 near Houghton, South Dakota, to Helga and Hieronymus (Rony) Tunby, who eventually grew their family to eight living children, all of whom grew up caring for and sharing with each other. Our mom had a kind, generous, and caring soul.
Elphie graduated from Baker High School and worked as a legal secretary for a Baker law firm. She then married Kenneth D. Briggs, with the goal of creating a healthy and happy home. She thoroughly loved and admired her husband, and they began their married life first in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he was a masonry contractor and she was church secretary at Trinity Lutheran Church. Later, she worked as a secretary at Coeur d’Alene High School, and then was recruited to be the secretary to the administrator of the new Kootenai County Hospital. Family and church were the foundation of their lives. Dancing and having with fun with friends and neighbors, especially with the Sons of Norway, added to their happiness.
In 1967 they moved to Miles City, Montana, and became active members of First Lutheran Church. Mom was a gutsy lady, learning to drive at 40. When Kenneth died at age 48, and she was 46, her church, family, and friends cared and supported her through this tragic time. She worked as secretary to the superintendent of Pine Hills School for Boys, helped at church, and enjoyed dancing at the Drop In Center and Range Rider Museum where she was a Range
Rider Rep. She also served as church council secretary and president of the women’s group. She loved her extended family and helped organize many Tunby family reunions.
While attending dances, she met her second husband, Gene Wood, a rancher from the Volborg/Stacy area who played fiddle at the dances. She married Gene in 1984, moved to Gene’s ranch, and loved her life there with the Wood family and the new friends she made. When Gene died in 1992, she moved back to Miles City, and in 2005, she moved to Billings to live with her daughter ToniAnn, and she once again became very active in the life of her church and traveled as much as she could to visit family. She was able travel to Germany, Scotland, Norway and many national parks.
Elphie is survived by her children, Toni Ann Little, Ruth Franes, and Kenneth Wayne Briggs (Linda), grandchildren Heather Jess (John), Tony Franes (Diana), Kelsey Morello (Matt), Kenneth Sandy Briggs, and six very special great grandchildren; brothers Maurice Tunby and Rolph Tunby, and sister Marie Moe. From Gene’s family, she is survived by Helen Jeane (Walt), Sandra Wood, and Jan Wood, and several step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Kenneth Briggs and Gene Wood, her brothers Roy Tunby and Gordon Tunby, her sisters Helen Jensen and Edith Johnson, and by Blanche Wood and Stephen Wood on Gene’s side.
A funeral service was held on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 11:00 am at American Lutheran Church, 5 Lewis Avenue, Billings, Montana, 59101. Inurnment will take place at the Bonnievale Cemetery in Baker, MT on Friday, July 23rd, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the American Lutheran Church in Baker. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials may be made to American Lutheran Church, Billings, Montana, or to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Patti (Green) Ireland says
What a lovely, kind woman! Elphie was such a good friend to my mom, Lyla Green. I was honored to get to know Elphie and send my condolences to her family. I pray that you will find comfort as you grieve.
Patti (Green) Ireland
Denise Harvey says
Ken and family,
I have fond memories of your wonderful mother. May you cherish the memories that keep her close!
Denise Oberlander Harvey
Kay Carlson says
Dear Sweet Elphie…You were such a large part of my growing up in Miles City. Always the smiling face and hug at First Lutheran. You and Ken were always there willing to help. He was my sunday school teacher one year. Only fond, loving memories. You will be missed.
Lana Rae (EK) says
Elphie was a wonderful woman and a good friend of our family. I hope my mom was waiting for her and they are on a nice long walk together. Blessings to you all.
Ruben and June Opp says
To all of Elphie’s family, what a wonderful lady,kind gental soul.I always loved to visit with her when she came grocery shopping. May God comfort you all during this difficult time and the days to come.God bless you all.
Ruben and June Opp
Wanda and Bob Abelman says
So many memories of Elphie. She graced our Thanksgiving table for many happy years. With her sparkling eyes and her little giggles, she was so much fun to have around. She enjoyed a hug from me but LOVED a hug from Bob. Elphie loved her lord,her family and friends and she also loved birds. We enjoyed sharing that with her. We loved her and will miss her. Our deepest condolences to her family.
Maureen Tunby says
I loved my aunt Elphie and will miss her kind, loving spirit. Fly high Aunt Elphie say hi to everyone especially my Dad your brother Roy. I know you will have a lovely reunion up in heaven! Love to you!
Maureen Tunby
Orland J Bergene says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Lana and Bill Sweeney says
Bill and I send our heartfelt condolences to Kenny, Linda, and family. Elphie sounds like an incredible person with a rich history of family and friends. Embrace the wonderful memories. Sending our blessings to everyone.
Danna Jablinske and family says
Toni Ann and families,
Elphie was such a wonderful lady. She and my Mom Dolores were always off on some adventure. They served on the RRR board together. Those two would get things done. I always enjoyed her spirit and zest for life. I’m sure Mom was there to meet her and then they went off to dinner and dancing. I hope you take comfort in knowing that she was loved by so many. Bye for now, Elphie.
Peace be with you all.
Donna Sweeney says
AS I read Elphie’s obituary I am reminded of the many years we worshiped and served together at First Lutheran Church in Miles City. She made every day pleasant and enjoyable. Blessings to the whole family.
Jon Moe says
Toni Ann, Kenny and Ruth,
So sorry to hear about Aunt Elphie. She was always sweet to me. I pray for peace and consolation for your whole family.
Fred and Donna Houzvicka says
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all today and the days to come. Heaven gained a kind and gracious lady. Elphie was always a joy to be around. She always put others first and cared about everyone. We went over to Rolph’s and Elphie was there and she took our daughters out for a walk. They really enjoyed it and from that day on they thought the world of Elphie. She left behind many fond memories. Cherish your memories, the memories will bring tears but also smiles.
Love and Hugs, Fred and Donna
M G says
My condolences to all of you during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy. Take time to grieve and find comfort in knowing that God is near all those calling on Him. ( Psalms 145 : 18 )