Leona Alice Vetter, age 74 of Miles City, passed away on July 13, 2014 with her son at her side at Holy Rosary Extended Care. She fought a brave battle with cancer.
Leona was born on April 14, 1940, along with twin brother, Leonard. They were born in Dodge, North Dakota. She was the daughter of Arthur (Pa) and Catherine (Voltz) Peterson. She was the 8th child of 13 children. She grew up and completed her education in Dodge, ND. Leona moved to Billings, MT at the age of 15 to live with her sister, Josie. She became a part of their family while working at the American Stratigraphic Center until she met and married Harlan “Red” Haydal. They were married on May 2nd, 1959. To this union they were blessed with son, Gregory. Leona’s greatest joy was being a stay-at-home mom where they shared many memories hunting, fishing, playing cards, and being together. In later years she was a waitress at the Muzzle Loader Café in Billings.
After she and Harlan divorced she later married Pius Vetter and moved to Miles City where she waitressed, cooked, and eventually managed the Innovation Café until she became employed at the Flying J restaurant. It was here she spent several years waiting tables and building relationships with her regular customers. She enjoyed meeting people and listening to their stories. She never thought anyone should go hungry and often she would buy meals for those who were passing through or for those who she knew were falling on tough times. Customers enjoyed cutting cards with her to see who was buying supper. For a short time, Leona worked as a volunteer at the Holy Rosary gift shop. “Grandma” as everyone called her, enjoyed anything to do with meeting people and she is known by strangers, family and friends for her extreme generosity and her practical jokes. She would give you her last dime, the shirt off her back, and protect you with vigilant prayer, but she would never let you win a game of cards. Even after she fell ill, it was hard to beat her at a game of cards!
For years, she enjoyed hunting with her son and his family. She cheered everyone on when they caught a fish or harvested their game. She was a good shot herself and could shoot from the hip and hit her target. It was more fun to watch her catch a fish than to catch one yourself! There were no greater times for her than calving season, when she lived to work side by side with her son, Greg, feeding the crew, forking hay, and playing cards while keeping a watchful eye on the heifers. After countless years of calving seasons, it still excited her when a calf would hit the ground. It was as if it was the first calf she had ever seen born. Her excitement for life and living in the moment was a gift to all of us.
For all these years she lived each day for her family, was overly proud of her grandchildren and loved each one unconditionally. It is with great sadness that we have released her to the arms of Jesus, whom she knew well and talked to often.
Leona is survived by her son Greg (Mary) Haydal of Miles City, granddaughter Nicki Haydal and grandson Ty Haydal; Brothers: Walter Peterson (Yvonne), LeRoy Peterson, Stanley Peterson. Her sisters: Helen Wentz, Josie Albright, Marion Stuber, Geraldine Kvarness, Janet Anderson, and Rita Davis and numerous nieces and nephews. Special friend, Dorothy Egosque, who together with Leona kept volumes of score sheets to document wild card games at the Eagles Manor. A special friendship formed with Pam Hurr, RN who lent special care and devotion as a nurse and close friend.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Jim and Leonard Peterson, her sister Ruby Bouma, and granddaughter Cassie, who she finally can hold once again in Heaven.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 17 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home from 4 – 6 PM, followed be a Rosary at 6pm and prayer service at 6:30PM. Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, July 18 at 10 AM at the Sacred Heart church. Rite of committal will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Erin’s Hope Project.
Service Schedule
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 17, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Prayer Service
6:30 p.m.
Thursday July 17, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Friday July 18, 2014
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 17, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Prayer Service
6:30 p.m.
Thursday July 17, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Friday July 18, 2014
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, MT 59301
Share
Rose Timmons says
Marge S. and I would like to send our Sympathies to her family.. We enjoyed her so very much; kind, generous, and a very Loving Lady. Prayers to her family! She will be truly missed.
Tom & Marie Nelson says
I enjoyed working with Leona at Flying J she was a wonderful and caring lady our thoughts and prayers are with you Tom & Marie Nelson
Shannon Dowse says
My sympathies to Leona’s family. I was lucky enough to get to know Leona over the last year and a half. We had many good conversations and many good laughs. I am going to miss her. Shannon Dowse RN
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this difficult time. We will miss running into Grandma and seeing her bright smiling face. Hugs for each of you!
Love,
Mike, Judy,
Jake, Tyrel & Katlyn
Diane Grutkowski says
My sympathy to the family. Leona was one of my favorite people. I will miss her terribly.
Mike & Debbie Hennessy says
Greg, Mary, Nicki, Ty and extended Family…
Our thoughts are with you all, we will miss Leona and the many caring times she gave us all… No one made a better fried chicken that seemed to last all weekend while on those many hunting trips to Winnet or fishing trips to the East Rosebud.. How lucky some of us were to have a second Mom:)
Bless You All
Mike Debbie Amanda Jordan Mandi & Kali along with The Hennessy Family
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Leona Alice Vetter – It was never the Creator’s purpose for mankind to suffer (Romans 5:12). In the Bible death is called an “enemy” (1 Corinthians 15:26). May God give you peace through his promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). I hope that you are consoled by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Audrey and Greg family says
My thoughts and prayers to her family. I am so glad I got to meet this special lady she was one of a kind .I miss her but I know she is not in pain any more and is with God and her family in heaven and one day we will see her again.
Sheila Rickett says
Greg & Mary,
Sorry to hear of your loss. I really enjoyed being around her she was a neat person, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry I am not in Miles City right now, I am in Helena doing my radiation. Will always remember playing cards with her. Love to you Sheila Meckle Rickett
Beth Hennessy says
Many times I babysat Greg & brother Mike (the other son) when Leona was working! What a gracious loving woman she was! Just one more angel in heaven!
God bless you, Greg, Mary & family for your love!
Beth Hennessy
Pam Hurr says
Greg, Mary, Ty, and Nikki,
So sorry about Leona. My heart aches but I know she is in a better place now. I am going to miss her so much but She will always have a special place in my heart. I wish I would have met her sooner so we could have had more time. Take care and may God give you comfort and may you always treasure the wonderful memories you have in your hearts.
Shannon Holmen says
Dear Greg and family,
So sorry to hear of your sweet mother. We are happy that you have so many fond memories of her. Our prayers.
Elvis and Jackie Entzel and family says
So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. We love you guys and will miss Leona so much. I have the best childhood memories a girl could ask for spending time with her and her giving me all of her western pant suits! I felt like a princess!! She was such a special, special person and her family meant everything to her. Love you guys!
Pat and Bob Corbin says
Dear Greg and Mary, We are so sorry to hear about your mom. It is another hard lesson in live to lose a loved one. For sure she is in heaven with her sweet Cassie now. Our hearts go out to you and we are thinking of you.
Margie Peterson says
I am sorry to hear of the loss of my dear aunt, Leona. She always had such a great sense of humor. Greg, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
with all my love, cousin Marge
Larry Barnes says
I was truly saddend to here of the passing of your Mother. I did not know her well, but will always remember the times that I did get to visit with her. I will be holding you all in my thoughts and prayers in all the days to follow. I know in my heart that she is in a good place. I pray that you can find peace and healing in the following days. I know that you will always hold memories of her forever in your hearts, as will every one in whose lives she touched. I believe that a part of her lives on in all her family. My deepest sympathies are with you all. GOD BLESS.
Tom & Nancy Reynolds says
So sorry to hear about your loss. May the sad memories of her illness fade and the great memories of her life live with you forever. Take care, Tom & Nancy
Bill & Sharon Harris says
I only knew Leona from a few family functions but I can tell you that her personality was infectious. When I saw her she always had a smile on her face. you could not help but be in a good mood being around her, even if you had a terrible day. She had no problem sitting and carrying on a conversation and I was amazed at the number of things she was interested in and could carry on about. If you had a problem, she was your go to person to talk it out. The way she coducted her life reminds me of the 139th Psalm. She lived this premise her whole life. My heart breaks when I think of the family and how much they will miss her. Love ran very deep in this family. God Bless them.
We Love You
Bill and Sharon Harris