LaVonne “Lolly” Walterson, 79 of Miles City passed away on September 30, 2020. She is now in heaven with her beloved husband and many other loved ones. Lolly was born on September 13, 1941 to Linas and Viola Rufsvold in Fort Ransom ND. She grew up on the family farm in the beautiful hills of Fort Ransom and attended a one-room school house. Lolly fell in love with Millard “Walt” Walterson, and they were married on November 15, 1958 at the Standing Rock Lutheran Church in Fort Ransom ND. They moved to Miles City in 1961 and raised their 4 children.
The Walterson home at Knight was home for over 50 years. She loved decorating with pictures, collectable dolls and old wood she gathered from the family farm in ND. She would joke about the occasional strange noise from ghost of Mr. Rice talking to us. Our house was not only our home – it was the gathering place for all friends and neighbors, She always looked forward to family and friends visiting for the Bucking Horse Sale each year
Mom had so many wonderful stories of their days in the “Old Country”, which we all came to appreciate with numerous visits to ND. She was famously known in Fort Ransom as the Mother of the crazy Svodka girls – a group of daughters, granddaughters, cousins, friends, in-laws, and out-laws, who all gather annually for a girls weekend in Fort Ransom and at the Anderson-Walterson Farm.
Lolly and Charlene Wolf started W & W Decorators in Miles City, in the early 1970’s. Their customers said that rather than whistling while they worked, the friends laughed their way through interior decorating projects. They enjoyed their work and had a blast. She also enjoyed her many years working at Sullivan’s Furniture in Miles City. She loved decorating and staging the furniture and accessories.
Lolly had one of the biggest hearts you’ve ever seen. She was the best mom and grandmother. She was loved by everyone that met her. She was simple, firm, outgoing and always made everyone feel special. Her fun summer vacations and holidays with the grandkids are cherished memories. Lolly is survived by her four children: Colin (Nancy) Walterson of San Tan Valley, AZ; daughters Tammy (Mike) Brenner of Reno NV, Joni (Bob) Magnuson of Miles City Mt, Melani (Bruce) Randall of Eagan MN; sister-in-law Doris Lere of Crystal, MN; daughter-in-law Ginny (Monte) Bachmann of Vergas, MN; “soul sister” Debb Maurer (Mike) of Walnut Creek, CA; dear friends Sharon Moore of Miles City; Bob (MaryAnn) Husted of Byers, CO; the Anderson families; ten grandchildren Travis, Mandy, Brandy, Erich, Kayla, Marni, Anna, Brandon, Connor, and Gage; eight great grandchildren: Liam, Leanna, Mekhael, Elijah, Gavin, Jasmine, Phoebe and Karter; one great-great grandchild TreAnna; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years Millard “Poopsie” Walterson, parents, and one sister Dorine Haarsager.
We will always remember her standing in the porch waving goodbye with both hands………until we meet again.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 8, 2020 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials may be sent to Wake up and Lace up of Miles City and Hospice.
Melva Curnan says
Walterson family, I’m so sorry to see your mother passed. I first met your mom and dad when I was in high school. I enjoyed them both and as we got older enjoyed visiting with your mom whether at my house, Sullivan’s or Wal Mart. She was a wonderful person and I know your dad greeted her with open arms. My prayers and sympathy to all of you.
Deb Schmeling says
Dear Walterson Family,
I am saddened to hear and see this. Your mom was a very fun lady. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you during this time.
Hugs
Deb
Denise Harvey says
Such a precious soul who will be missed. Thank you for sharing her with all of us.
Dale Palke says
I never realized that people really were crazy about Elvis until I met your mom. Funny the memories that you hold special about people
Sheila Keniv Rickett says
So sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to all of you. She was a wonderful lady. I loved her smile. Bet you Dad is happy again to have her with him. Love and hugs to you all.
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
So sorry for your loss. I have many wonderful memories of your mom.
Mary Ann Liles says
We are sorry to hear this, we loved Lolly and Walt. Our sincere sympathy.
Mary Ann & Jim Liles
Darbie Karch and family says
So sorry for your loss. She was a special gal and will be missed by all. Heaven gained another special angel. 💙
Carol Schneidt says
My thoughts and prayers to all of Lolly’s family. She was a joy to be around.
Tom and Robin Kiel says
Bob, Joni, Marni, Anna, David, Karter and all the Walterson family. When Lolly entered a room, it seemed brighter. She had a smile that was contagious and always a hug. The world needs more Lolly’s. Love to you all
Voni & Scott Tally says
We are so sorry for your loss. When I think of Lolly – I think what a kind sweet lady she was! Praying all your beautiful memories will comfort you in your continued time of need.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Mary Snell says
Joni and Walterson Family,
My sincere sympathy. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Maureen Larson says
So very sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Lolly well but she was always so full of life and made you feel like she’d known you all of her life. What a gift she had! My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Bob, Joni and family, what a big loss, we enjoyed Lolly so much. It was never a dull moment with her. Our deepest sympathy at your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wanda Gresens says
Joni
So sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I was one of those children your mother welcomed in to her home on at least one occasion. I will be thinking of you during this time , it is hard to loss your mom.
Pam Rogge says
Joni & family,
My prayers and condolences at this time and in the days ahead.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Joni and family,
So sorry about mama and grandma. We will miss Lolly and her welcoming hugs and smile! Lots of hugs and prayers as you face the difficult days ahead! God bless you all.
Bruce Klapmeier says
Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Your parents were such nice folks. Great next door neighbors!
Tammy Stanton says
What a wonderful lady… Loved them as neighbors. She was the sweetest to my boys… They as I’m sure many referred to her as “grandma lolly”. Ethan was probly 2 or 3 and he’d stand there staring out window just waiting for her to get home from work, all to run outside and say hi. And if given the chance he’d run over and help water flowers or whatever she was doing he needed to go “help”. Big hugs… She will definitely be missed.
Ray and Terri Schmidt says
To the Walterson family. We were so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a wonderful woman who, along with your dad, raised amazing daughters. Please know you are in our hearts and thoughts.
Ginger & Joe Kiel says
Joni and family,
So very sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to all. Lolly was an amazing lady with a huge heart of gold. She will be missed but her infectious smiles and family stories will forever be in many hearts.
Lesa, Jasmine and Rose says
Heartfelt condolences to all of Lolly´s kids and grandkids. Her mile-wide smile and welcoming hugs were the tip of the iceberg of her loving kindness, warmth and hospitality. Wishing for all who loved her to take comfort in the sweet memories of such a special lady. Huge hugs from Tucson!
Donna Gall says
Sorry to hear of Lollys passing. We had many good times together! Your dad will be happy to be together again.
CANDY NORQUIST says
Lolly ment so much to me! I will always the special way she made me feel! She made a big difference in my life! I will miss her dearly and all the love she gave!
Troy and Dolly Ferris says
Dear Joni and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful lady. Our prayers are with you all.
Irv Rufsvold and. JUDY RUFSVOLD. says
So sorry to hear about you loss. Lolly was my favorite cousin. We will all miss her.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Joni, Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family.
Brandy Carlson says
Memories of Lolly always consisted of laughter. I think all the times when we were together there was always laughter. She loved her family no matter where they were. When together always embracing everyone with a warm hug. So grateful she played a role my life and my families life. We will miss seeing her light up and feeling her warm hugs. I find so much comfort in knowing she is safe and pain free with Poopsie in Heaven.
Patty Washington says
Joni, I so loved your mother. She was a beautiful soul.
Gene and Jean McManigle says
We were so sorry to hear of Lolly’s passing. I hope she didn’t have to suffer much. Carol and I often talk of the fun times (and sometimes naughty times) that we had with Lolly. She was more like a sister than a cousin.
Our sympathy to all of you. I think about you as you put her to rest. Like Marnie said, she is ack in Poopsie’s arms so we need to be happy for her. She will be missed by all who knew her.
A donation will be sent in her memory, thanks for the suggestions.
Carol Haarsager says
Hugs to all of Lolly’s family. Sorry I am late with this, but have surely been thinking of all of you as you go through this hard time. I just watched the videos, they were so nice, love all the pictures. I appreciate being able to do that. I will always have memories of our childhood together, we had so much fun, we were like sisters. Lolly was a bright spot in a lot of peoples lives and will be missed by many. Rest in peace, Lolly.
Rob Shipley says
Joni and all,
I am so sad. I did not know until just today, October 15th.Lolly and Charlene gave, so wonderfully, so much pure JOY to Mary when they cleaned her home. Oftentimes, seemingly all the time, they would coffee and visit more than anything else; but, in that “magic” that was what my wonderful mother always needed, their companionship and their comforts.
Joni, we are blessed to have become children of legends.
All my love, Robbie
Irene Pluhar says
To all of Lolly`s family,
Lolly was such a joy in life. I knew Millard from the Star and that’s when I met Lolly. She was always happy and a big smile. She will be missed by many. Hugs to all the family and keep those great memories close to your heart.
Kyle and Darla Warrior says
Dear Waltersons: Kyle and I want to pass our sincere condolences for your loss. Kyle has such sweet memories of Lolly and your dad. Memories of “crooked pictures,” “finger pulls with your dad” and “24 beers.” She was a great lady. God bless.