“Well done good and faithful servant! Come and share in your master’s happiness!”
Matthew 25:23
If ever there was a good and faithful servant, it was our dear mom, Lois. Mom stepped out of this life and into the open and loving arms of her savior early on the morning of January 2, 2023, following complications from surgery. Grief is the price we pay for love and we are grieving, but knowing this good woman, who worked so hard for so many years is at rest in paradise, helps soothe our broken hearts.
Lois Ruth Balducke was born to Frank and Leona Balducke November 27, 1934 in Fryburg, North Dakota. One of nine children, she spent her formative years on the family ranch southwest of Sidney, Montana. From the time she could toddle around, she chipped in with the chores and relished her life as a ranch kid. She told us many stories of the adventures they had over the years, how she loved to ride her horse Dynamite and how hard her mom and dad worked. Grandma and Grandpa instilled that strong work ethic in each of their children. Mom’s first waitressing job was in Sidney at the Met Café but most remember her from The Crossroads, The Red Rock Supper Club and the Hole-in-the-Wall in Miles City. She also worked in dietetics at the VA Hospital in Miles City before reluctantly retiring in May 2013 at the age of 78. Miles City was her adopted hometown. It’s where she and our dad Scotty started our family after they were married November 21, 1959.
Mom truly had a servant’s heart, whether it was taking good care of her customers, her children or her brothers and sisters, every need was tended to. She was an excellent cook and baker and had quite the green thumb. Mom’s workload increased substantially once she and dad divorced and she worked two, even three jobs at times. There were some very lean and difficult years but that work ethic, combined with her faith in God and the belief that better times were ahead, kept her going.
Once we all moved out of the house to start our own lives, mom could relax a bit. She still worked 60 plus hours a week but found new joy in being a grandmother. She was thrilled to become a great-grandmother and trips to Billings included those sweet babies in her arms and on her lap. Her smile, delight and laughter warmed our hearts.
We were grateful for any and all opportunities to make memories with mom. Special memories were made for her 75th birthday when we took her to Italy to see where her father was born and to meet cousins she had never met. She also enjoyed a fall foliage tour to New England and a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Our mom was so many things. A doting daughter, a selfless sister, a gracious mother-in-law, a playful and proud grandma, a humble soul. She loved and was so loved by her family and all who knew her. She touched many people with her genuine smile and gentle spirit.
Mom is survived by her children, Noni (Aaron) Ramage of Billings, Jeff (Ashley) McRae of Belgrade and Becky (Mitch) Hillier of Billings, grandchildren Ryan, Casey (Arieanna) and Kim Ramage and Garret (Wyatt) and McKenna Hillier, great- grandchildren Avery Jane, Margo June, Cal James and Darby Jo Ramage, her sisters Louise Rehbein of Sidney, Francie Mackin of Miles City and brother Billy of Miles City, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Leona, a brother, Joseph Frank who died in infancy, her sisters Maebelle Staggs, Myrtle Brown, and Mary Thrams and brothers Benny and Tony.
Mom was very practical and did not want a funeral, but we will have a visitation in Miles City at a later date, before she is laid to rest next to her mom and dad in Sidney.
We know mom would love it if you shared your smile with a stranger, played a good-natured practical joke and tipped your waiter or waitress generously, in her memory.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 27, 2023
Memorial Open House
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 27, 2023
Memorial Open House
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Arlene Corbin says
Becky and family, I am so sorry to learn of Lois’s passing. She was always so pleasant and fun to visit with whenever I saw her. May you hold your memories close to your heart
Karen Taylor says
To Lois’s children and Aunt Francie, so sorry to hear of Lois’s passing. She was a great lady and a hard, dedicated worker. I think I spent as much time with Lois and Francie during our time at the VA than l did my family. May the Lord comfort you all at this sad time. Karen Taylor
Diane M Welbes says
Noni, Jeff, and Becky, May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through this sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Pam Henman says
Lois and I worked together for 15 years. She was another mom to me. I learned so much working with her and Francie and will hold that time in my heart. Gods blessing to her family. She will be missed.
James Arneson says
I am so sorry to hear Lois passed. I was fortunate to have got to know her working at the VA. Such a hard worker and dedicated. May God bless you all with the best of memories now and always.
Pam Rogge says
Becky and family,
My condolences on the loss of your mom. She will be missed by many who knew and loved her.
Joyce Vera says
Becky & Family,
So sorry to hear of Lois ‘s passing, losing a Mom is always so tough. But I know she is still with all of you. As you go along with life you will feel her presence. She was such a wonderful lady!! And such a hard worker. Please know you are in my prayers and I will always think of her beautiful smile!! Please take care of each other.
Marcy Parks says
I am so sorry to hear this! You are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to all of you. Treasure your memories and know you’ll be together again!
Lorretta Rebsom says
I an so sorry for the loss of your precious mother. She truly was an example of kindness, beauty, loyalty and a strength that was shared just by her presence.
May God’s peace be in your hearts as you embrace her departure to heaven.
Brady Stone says
To Lois’s family,
Lois was a special person. Kind, caring and a hardworking mother. But more than that she was just a beautiful person.
Lin Cory koerper says
Becky, Francie, My prayers are with you and your family. I worked with Lois at the VA and look back at our time there remembering how much we pulled jokes on each other and tried to scare each other by hiding and jumping out, then watching the other jump about 5 ft in the air. It was always so funny! She was a hoot!! She was such a hard worker and ran circles around the rest of us. I know she will be missed and hope you hold your memories close to your heart.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Joan Bunke says
To Lois’ family,
I am so sorry to discover Lois passed on. I worked with her, (me as cocktail waitress and Lois as head food waitress). Lois was excellent in serving and fun to work with and around.
She could tell a joke and could take a good natured one and! It’s a bygone era
Daniel Dinardi says
Becky your mother was our favorite waiter the days she worked at the Hole in The Wall In Miles City’
Sumi and i are sorry for your loss she was a great person
Dan and Sumi Dinardi Billings mt
Audrey Haumschild says
So sorry for your loss she was such a sweet person. Her and Francie away come to visit with their Brother. Two very sweet ladies. She will be missed.
Mary Burley says
Lois was a beautiful person inside and out. I worked with her at the Hole in The Wall and the VA hospital and is where I got to know how dedicated she was to her family and her work. I’m praying her family and friends will find the love, courage, and strength to face the days ahead of each one of you. May God bless you ALL at this difficult time. Heaven just gained another angel !
Vikki Bradley says
So sorry for the loss of Lois, she was such a wonderful hard working, funny and very loving women. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Kathy Ramage says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of you at this difficult time. God Bless
Patricia Mcrae says
She sounded like an amazing woman! May she rest in peace. Sending much love.
Echo Kampf says
I am very saddened to hear of Lois’ passing. I got to know Lois when I would visit my Dad, who lived in the condo below her. I would go up and chat with Lois, whenever I had the chance, and I grew very, very fond of her. I know she is in a better place now, but she will be very missed here in this world. May she Rest In Peace and my prayers are with her family during this difficult time. 🙏
Carol Bean says
What a beautifully written tribute to your mom. And yes, she was a heck of a worker! And always so kind! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jackie Crowley says
What a beautiful tribute to your sweet mom! She will always be one of my favorite people! I know your loss is great but I hope your amazing memories bring you comfort & peace. You are all in my thought & prayers!
Anna Brandt says
To all of Lois’ family,
I got to know Lois at the community garden. I so enjoyed visiting her and Francie at our gardens. I was so amazed at her dedication and how much she truly enjoyed her garden. She will be missed. May you rest in peace
Anna
Dannette Cremer says
So sorry to hear about Lois passing. She truly was a hard worker and devoted Mom.
And she always had a smile on her face. May you keep her memory close to your heart.
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
We are so sorry. We always enjoyed Lois and her sisters when they could come to church. Jim enjoyed teasing them! You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Lois always had a beautiful smile when you would see her. She was a hard working wonderful lady. Prayers to her family.
Neena says
A beautiful tribute to a very gracious lady! Our sympathy and prayers to the family! Tim and Neena Steadman
Jean Jones says
So sorry for the loss of your mom. Many prayers for you all.
Connie Rehbein says
To Lois’s family and friends, I send my condolences! I was so sad to hear this. I was very happy that she made it to her sister Louise’s 90th birthday in Sidney. I got a good picture of her, Francie and Louise. She was always nice and kind to me. I remember stopping at a restaurant in Miles City, where she worked for many years and her smile was the best.
John Munsell says
Lois was the inimitable ever ready battery, never stopping. Had great memories of her at the Crossroads and Hole In the Wall. Often wondered where she got her get up & go. She had to have waited on some cantankerous folks, but I never saw a frown on her face.
Granddaughter says
I only met her once, but she was kind, and I remember she had a heart-warming smile. My condolences on your loss.