Jean Alois Halvorson Leitholt (Grandma Honey) passed away February 7, 2013 surrounded by family. She is now with Jesus and her loved ones in heaven.
Jean was born January 24, 1926 to Edward Halvorson and Clara Anderson Halvorson, in Whitney Montana. They later moved to MilesCity. She graduated from CusterCountyHigh School in 1944. While in high school she worked at the Penguin Shop and later at Foster Drug at the fountain. While working there she met Paul F. Leitholt, they were married March 26, 1944; to this union seven children were born — Lester in 1947, Linda in 1950, Paula in 1952, Paul Jr. (Corky) in 1957, Donna in 1961, John in 1963 and Brenda in 1964. The family moved to Butte in 1957 six weeks before Corky was born. In 1968 they moved to Deer Lodge then in 1972 to St. Maries Idaho, Paul worked for the Milwaukee and when the railroad started to shut down they moved back to MilesCity in 1976. Paul retired in 1982. Throughout her life Jean was involved with many things. She was a Den Mother for Boy Scouts, and Brownies & Girl Scouts, and many other “kid” things. Her house was the “kool-aid and cookies house” on the block – kids always welcome. She belonged to the Women of the Moose, the VFW Auxiliary and the Eagles Auxiliary. She was a member of 1stLutheranChurch for many years, and later attended GraceBibleChurch. She loved the Lord.
Paul passed away in 1986 three days after their 40th anniversary. Jean kept busy, taking care of her grandson Christopher and going to all of his many activities. She traveled to Idaho and Washington often to see Lester and his family in Spokane and Corky and his family in Coeur d’Alene and later Post Falls. She spent at least 4-6 weeks a year in the Seattle area going up and down the interstate between Linda & Paula and their families. She loved to spend time with her kids and most importantly her grandkids. She made it to all important events. High school graduations, college graduations and weddings. In 2007 there was a family reunion in Coeur d’Alene to celebrate her 80th year. All seven of her children and their families were there. She really enjoyed that time.
When she started having health problems she stayed home a bit more. She was very proud of living independently at home with a little help from her children especially John who lived two doors down and put her socks and shoes on every morning when, after breaking her 2nd hip, she needed help with this.
Jean is survived by her seven children, Lester Leitholt (Debi), Linda White (Frank), Paula Greaves, Paul Leitholt Jr. (aka Corky) (Dolly), Donna Taylor, John Leitholt and Brenda Schwab (Todd); grandchildren, Kristi Leitholt (Jacob), Kimi Clifton, Amy Barry (John), Melanie Helt, Lionel Greaves IV (Lydia), Amber Greaves, Gordy Greaves (Jackie), Matthew Leitholt and Christopher Taylor (Raven); great-grandchildren, Jaxon Barry, Madison (aka Maddy) Helt, Mason Helt, Ashley Clifton, Katie Clifton and Draco Scrymgeour-Taylor; two brothers Buster Halvorson (Norma), and Eddy Halvorson (Evelyn) and sister-in-law Elsie Zawada; and many nieces, nephews and honorary children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ed & Clara Halvorson, her husband Paul Leitholt Sr., sisters Neva aka Punky Halvorson and Edith Halvorson Russell, and her faithful companion Blaze. Her in-laws Helen (Leitholt)& Gus Neiffer, Oscar & Mary Leitholt, Ed & Rose Leitholt, Adeline Leitholt Neiffer Isaacs, Bill & Carrie Leitholt, Pauline Leitholt Schlepp Riggs, and Frank Zawada.
Visitation will begin on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to
the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the charity of one’s
choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday February 10, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday February 10, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 11, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday February 10, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday February 10, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 11, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
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Evie Ochsner says
My Dear Leitholt Family, I can not express how sad I am about your Mother’s passing. She is in a good place now is all I can say. I have many good memories of her and her family. I wish you all the best. Evie
Jane Leitholt Hall says
I am so sorry to hear about Aunt Jean. I remember how much fun it was to go to her house an play an visit when I was just a child. She will always be in my heart. May God bless all of you at this time You are all in my prayers. ….Jane Leitholt Hall (daughter of Ed an Rose)
Cindy and Dale Berg says
John, Donna and Family,
So sorry to hear about your mom. Hold your memories close. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.
David Schott says
John, Donna, Chris, and all of the Leitholt family, I’m very sad to hear that your mom/grandma has passed away. She raised an incredible family and you know she loved you all so very much. She was a terrific lady who will be greatly missed. – Dave
Irene Trogden says
Donna I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Jill says
Paula and children Lionel. Amber, Gordy and all SO I know your Highest and Greatest Good at this time of your Mother and Grandmothers’ passing. Her legacy is your support for each other you are blessed by her gifts to you each. Jill
Ashley (Schock) Bratland says
Sending hugs and prayers to you all. Grandma Honey was always so loving and caring and I always had lots of fun playing at her house when I was a kid. She will be missed but take comfort in knowing she is with our Heavenly Father!
Marcy Parks says
Donna, Chris, John, and families,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. My heart goes out to all of you; you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Hall says
Ed & Buster: Sorry to hear of your Sister’s passing…..
Kimi Leitholt Clifton says
She had the best laugh in the world. I remember always being so excited when she would visit or when we got to go visit her. I will miss her dearly and be thankful for the longevity she had so she could meet my children. I love you, Grandma Honey. XOXO
randal & Bonitta Halvorson says
to my Dear Leigholt Cousins,
We are Praying for each one of you
remember she is Sheltered in the arms of God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKkJTxMsrE0
Ray and Terri Schmidt says
We are so sorry for you loss. We will always remember her twinkle in her eye and how she seemed to always have a smile on her face. She seemed to be so proud of her children. We hope your wonderful memories will help you get through these difficult times.
Curt, Gail, and Nic Halvorson says
To Leitholts et al,
So many years, so many kids between the families, it’s hard to keep track of it all.
To each and everyone, the older kids, and the younger ones I knew best, you have our deepest sympathies. Jeans life is one that’s hard to let go.
We had the great fortune to see her on several occasions over the past few years.
Linda, thank you for sharing her with us, and bringing her over to the house. Your visits
have become treasured even more as time goes by. After the first visit I started calling
Jean every holiday season. I made it a point to do this during the annual lefse making
day. When I was finished, I called her to report. She got such a kick that the next generation was carryin’ on the task! “lots of work that lefse”.
It became a highlight of the season to talk to her. The conversations never lacked. There were so many tales she had stored away. From her youth and stories of my uncles, aunts, and grandparents, to my youth, and reminiscing about things I might recall. What fun it was just to sit and talk, and catchup wth her. I too will miss her presence in this life.
Jean, bless you on your journey. Curt
Donna and family says
So sorry to hear about your mom – praying for your family.
Mary Petro McClarty
Tracee Raymond & family says
Donna, Brenda, John and the rest your the family,
We were so very sorry to hear about your loss of your mother/grandmother. We wish would could find words to ease your pain however, there are no words that can possibly do that. Just know she is always in your hearts and looking down on all of you guiding you all in your paths in life. Hopefully in time you will be able to look back and treasure all the wonderful years you were all able to spend with her. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peggy ( Dorothy) Smotherman says
Donna, Chris, Brenda and all of Jeans family,
May God give you comfort in your time of loss. We are thinking of you and praying for you. Peggy and Les Smotherman
Lindy Annalora says
To the Leitholts and Halvorsons families,
My deepest sympathy at this sad time. Hold on tight to your memories and find comfort in each other as you share all your special memories of Jean. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy McNamee says
Paula, I have been thinking of the times you brought Jean to the office and how proud you were of her and how proud she was of you. We all appreciated meeting the matriarch of the family stories and we liked her immediately. And… she had the special bonus of being a baseball fan! Your Seattle Office family stands with you today, saluting Jean’s life and family legacy. Carry On Proudly.
Kermit Bernard Karns says
I used to go to the Crow Rock School with the Leitholt kids, Edward, Pauline, William, Paul, Elsie, and ? Adeline was a bit older. She married Eddie Neiffer. I would like to correspond with any of the Leitholt relation. I lived at Uoll Heights postoffice then. I now live in Imperial NE 69033, PO Box 1050. Phone: 308-882-2108. email: kermit@chase3000.com
Mark & Donna Sindelar says
Donna, John & Brenda: Our hearts go out to you and your family during this difficult loss. You were so much help to us when we lost Mark’s parents. Wish we could be there physically for you now, but know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. Take care!