Eunice Marie McPhail Achtenberg, age 84, of Hysham, MT, passed away in the early morning hours of November 26, 2020, at the Rosebud County Health Center in Forsyth.
Eunice was born on February 9, 1936, in Billings, MT, the daughter of Robert H. & Sidney R. (Merritt) McPhail. She grew up in Hysham as the oldest of five siblings. She married Verlin Barnes in 1953 and had three children together: Cindy, Naomi, and Nanette. On April 7, 1973, in Longmont, Colorado, Eunice married the love of her life Virgil Achtenberg and she gained a son, Justin. To this marriage, they had a daughter Alissa. Eunice was involved in many service clubs over the years including Woman’ Club, 4-H Leader, PTA, Cemetery Board, the Church Board, and most of all she was a servant of the Lord. Eunice enjoyed gardening, canning, mowing, watching her grandchildren at ball games, making cabbage rolls, and loved eating ice cream.
Eunice is survived by her husband of 48 years Virgil, of Hysham, MT; her daughters: Cindy (Sage) Bainter, Naomi (Stark) Ickes, Nanette (Sam) Kuhl, and Alissa (Corey) Wang; her brothers: Colin (Judy) McPhail and Randy (Barb) McPhail and sister in law Sharolyn McPhail, 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her very special friends Cody (Michelle) & Gage Lobdel. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jay McPhail, sister Roberta and a stepson Justin Achtenberg.
A special thanks to Olive, Shelly, and the Rosebud Nursing Home staff for all the wonderful care during the last few months. Thank you also to the communities of Hysham and Forsyth for all their support in the past few years.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Interment will be held in the Hysham Vale Cemetery in Hysham, MT. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Treasure County 89’ers Museum.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 pm to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 1, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday December 2, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Reception
Wednesday December 2, 2020
Hysham Vale Cemetery
Hysham, Montana 59038
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 pm to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 1, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday December 2, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Reception
Wednesday December 2, 2020
Hysham Vale Cemetery
Hysham, Montana 59038
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Bill & Denice says
Virgil and family, we are so sorry to hear of Eunices passing. May God bring you all peace and comfort as you go forward.
Bill & Denice Hedges
Alroy Achtenberg says
Uncle Virgil and family ,we are so sorry for the loss of Aunt Eunice. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Alroy,Joyce, and family
Larry Fink says
Virgil and family-we are so sorry to learn of Eunice’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Larry & Vicky Fink
Janiece Adams says
Virgil and family, Mom and I were deeply saddened with Eunice’s passing. Eunice and Mom were friends for many many years. Good friends like that are so hard to find and hang on to anymore. Will miss her smile and wave when she was walking. God Bless
Tiff Achtenberg says
Uncle Virgil & Family,
Our condolences for the loss of Aunt Eunice.
Thoughts and Prayers from Tiff & Lori Achtenberg
Family during this time.
BreAnn Lytle-Miller says
Eunice will always hold a special place in my heart! The best neighbor and 3rd grandma, she will be greatly missed! My thoughts and prayers are with Grandpa Virgil and the rest of the family.
Carol Klinker says
I was able to talk to Eunice once a week for about 20 years when I called to get the weather report for the Hysham Echo. We had many good conversations about anything and everything. My thoughts and prayers go out to Virgil and the rest of the family. I will miss you Eunice.
Randy McPhail says
Rest In Peace dear Eunice, We Love you
Jack & Kirsten Crocker says
Virgil and family, we are saddened to hear about Eunice’s death. I, myself have so many memories of her. She will be dearly missed. Jack and Kirsten (Belgarde) Crocker and Jeanie Belgarde
Ramona & Roxanne Zimmerman says
Our deepest sympathy.
Pete and June Minow says
Virgil, we are so sorry to hear of Eunice’s passing. She was such a nice lady. Our granddaughter Darby has never forgotten the time her car broke down in Hysham and how you and Eunice made her feel at home in your home while waiting for us to go after her. And we remember the beautiful garden and flowers that the two of you must have worked so hard on. Extending our sympathy and prayers.
Leona Williams says
I have so many memories and pictures of us as children and thoughts of our later years raising children and sharing.
You were a hard worker who loved her home and family and taught me about canning. I will miss your hearty laugh cousin. Go in peace. Your work here is done. I condolences to Virgil and the family
Rita FitzGerald says
I can only imagine the flower gardens in Heaven!! God has received one of the special ladies I have ever known. It was amazing how she could just sit at “her” table at the restaurant even if a couple strangers were there. Well—they weren’t strangers any longer! What a love she and Virgil had! I will miss her. My prayers to to Virgil and your family🙏🌈🙏
Rita
Dennis & Kathy Porter says
Virgil so sorry to hear of yours and Alissa lost as well as the rest of the family our thoughts and prayers are with you
Kimber Emmons says
Virgil, Alissa and family –
I am so sorry for your loss, I have been thinking about, and reliving, many, many days spent in your home….probably driving Virgil and Eunice NUTS!! But it was fun! Liss – I’m so sorry…love you, friend…so much!
Heads Up Hearts Strong – Always.
~Kimber, Brett and family
Shanna Veis Hamilton says
Nanette and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and love to you all.
Rita and Tim says
You were my big sister that I never had. Being a special person in my life, it will be a bit lonely without your laugh. Virgil, you were her rock and salvation, remember the good times. Love you, Rita Csrole and Tim ❣
Eric McPhail (and family) says
Virgil, Cindy, Naomi, Nanette, Alissa
We are so sorry to hear of Eunices passing. I will miss her dearly. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. I wish we could be there and I’m sure Pop-Pop, Aaron and Colin do also. Lots of love,
Eric and Family
Tawny Nelson says
God bless & help you Virgil during this time! I have sweet memories of talking with Eunice of sitting with her when you were in our yard as you & Gary blew out the sprinklers. She was a sweet lady!! -Gary & Tawny Nelson
Carol Plympton says
Virgil and family, Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this time of sorrow and loss. Warmly with love and hugs, Rocky and Carol Plympton
Vicki Hert says
To all of Eunice’s family and loved ones: sending my thoughts, love and prayers during this time.
COLIN/JUDY MCPHAIL says
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH VIRGIL, CINDY, NAOMI, NANETTE, AND ALISSA EUNICE IS AT PEACE AND WILL BE MISSED DEARLY.
Cathy Emmons says
Virgil and girls~~
Our condolences on the Eunice’s passing. Keep your memories active and talk about her often.
Bob and Cathy
Darla (Beyl) Paul says
Virgil, Alissa, and family
I’m saddened to hear of Eunice’s passing. I remember how welcoming she was when I stayed over at prom and so nice each time I saw her at any and all events over the years. Hold your memories close.
Ralph F Sutich says
Virigl I Am So Sorry To Hear About Eunice Passing When You Told Me May 4th 2021 If I Would Of Knowen I Would Of Attended Her Funeral You And Eunice Are Very Special People Virgil And I Know Eunice Is In A Better Place May Eunice Rest In Peace