Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Colstrip, MT
Rite of Committal: will follow in the family plot of the Colstrip Cemetery
Today we lay to rest our beautiful, amazing, wonderful Mom, Grandma, Wife, Sister and Best Friend.
Gloria Jean Butkay-Bigelow was born in Hardin, MT on May 21, 1943 to John and Florence (Barkhuff) Butkay. Gloria was born with coal black hair and the youngest of four. She spent her childhood in Sarpy Creek, Bridger and Hysham areas. She graduated from Hysham High in 1962, moved to Miles City and worked in a clothing store as she attended and graduated with her beautician license. She worked in Miles City, Hardin and Billings doing hair. On March 19, 1968 Gloria gave birth to her daughter Laurie Ann. In November 1969 she met a handsome, intriguing man named Ernest Bigelow. He won her heart and swept her off her feet. On January 31, 1970 they were married. On July 22, 1971 a son with the name-sake of his dad was born Ernest Bigelow Jr.. Gloria and Ernie shared their first part of marriage following Ernies construction jobs all over the states of MT and WY. In 1974 they made Hysham their permanent residence. Gloria worked as a school cook and every fall was a tare lady for beet harvest season. She took up gardening, canning tomatoes and making jams and jellies for everyone.
In 1982 Ernies work moved the family to Colstrip where they bought a home. Gloria spent endless hours creating a beautiful landscaped yard and garden area. She went to work in 1983 as a school cook. Gloria also volunteered at the Moose Lodge giving of her heart to Moose Heart. In 1994 Glorias heart was in bad shape and she underwent a grueling open-heart surgery that became more of a success than she ever imagined. She was told that it would last 10 years. She was fortunate and had 14 years. After surgery she retired from full-time school cook but would substitute as needed. In 1996 she started bartending part-time which quickly turned into full-time at the Moose Lodge where everyone wanted a Gloria drink.At the Moose Lodge she met and continued some amazing friendships. Gloria also enjoyed running after her granddaughters, grandma-sitting them and taking her yearly trips to Wyoming to see her son and family. Gloria retired in 1998, not fully, as she worked hard in her yard and began another passion playing darts on Troys dart league. She couldnt wait for Tuesday nights. She loved it. She also loved to dance whenever or wherever possible and loved singing a few tunes with her dear friend Wanda, Patsy Cline being their favorite.
She was a card shark playing cards all her life with family and friends. Some of her most treasured moments were our holiday gathering when we were all together cooking and eating. Gloria was the most caring, generous, strong, vibrant woman who was full of nothing but love. Gloria will be missed every day by her family and friends.
Gloria is survived by her husband Ernest Bigelow of Colstrip; daughter Laurie Butkay-Fransen (Blake) and children McKenna, Mesa, Mitch and Brandi of Star Valley, WY; son Ernie Bigelow (Heather) and Sammy of Star Valley, WY; two step-daughters Brenda Rasmussen (Britt) and family and Bonnie Coates (Van) and family; sisters Beverly Pulver (Howard), Kathleen ODonnell (Hod) and brother Gerald Butkay (Nita) as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents John and Florence Butkay and grandson Chance.
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