Lois K. O’Dea, 88, of Miles City, passed away on November 7, 2013 in Miles City.
Lois K. O’Dea was born in Glendive, Montana on November 3, 1925 to Owen and Margaret Williams. She grew up with her siblings on Lufboro Flats northeast of Glendive, MT. Lois attended a one room school house near the homestead. She talked of riding a horse to school with her brothers and sister. She also talked often about growing up during the Depression. Lois moved to Glendive to attend high school and then continued on to nursing school to begin in the Cadet Nurse Corp, Lois graduated from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in Billings, Montana in 1946.
Lois met the love of her life, Paul O’Dea, at a church social. They were married on May 28, 1949 at St. Patrick’s Church in Billings, MT. Their family grew quickly and in 1956 they moved to Miles City. Paul and Lois raised their 6 children on a small farm east of town. Lois went back to work when Paul started college. She eventually worked as a nurse practitioner at the Miles City VA for 20+ years.
After retirement, Lois and Paul enjoyed many travels together visiting family and friends afar. She enjoyed antiquing with Paul during their many trips to visit and help family. She also loved photography and was an avid scrapbooker. She loved watching birds and taking walks to collect wild flowers. Lois was always devoted to family and her faith .She celebrated her 88th birthday in style, shortly before her death. Lois died surrounded by her children.
Lois is survived by her children, Dr. Patrick (Marlene) O’Dea of Spokane; Margaret (Peggy) Tiffany of Miles City, MT; Dr. Timothy (Susan) O’Dea of Wenatchee, WA; Marianne Reaves of Misawa, Japan; Thomas O’Dea of Miles City, MT; and Martin (Jeanette) O’Dea of Miles City, MT. One sister, Eleanor Williams of Glendive, MT; two brothers, Dr. Patrick Williams of Dickinson, ND; and Michael (Ruth) Williams of Whitehall, MT and her grandchildren, Dr. Michael J O’Dea, Katie McCartney, Dr. Jamie O’Dea, Dr. Megan McElroy, Anna Tiffany, Sarah O’Dea, Matthew O’Dea, Dr. Rhonda Holt, Daniel Reaves, Michael T. O’Dea, Brent O’Dea, Jerel Blakely, Janel Bassett, Jeline Blakely, Josh Blakely and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother; James Williams, and her beloved Paul, husband of 62 years.
The family will receive friends from 4-6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2013 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A vigil service will follow at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Miles City. Condolences for the family may be left at www.stevensonandsons.com. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City are in charge of arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart School, Holy Rosary Hospice, or to the charity of their choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday November 11, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Monday November 11, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 to a.m.
Tuesday November 12, 2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday November 11, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Monday November 11, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 to a.m.
Tuesday November 12, 2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Bonnie Scott says
Peggy and family, I am so sorry to hear about your sweet Mom. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peggy West says
So sad to see this today. Peggy I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Karen Krausz says
Lois was such a kind lady and willing to share her vast knowledge whenever needed. My thoughts and prayers are with Peggy and her family. She had a wonderful smile. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Lee Akers says
My heart goes out to the family. Lois was a dear and cherished friend. We will miss her dreadfully. But I know that one day we will meet again. Our lives here go on, but tonight, Lois sleeps safe in the arms of Jesus.
Penny (Sumer) Schmidt says
To Tom, Peggy and all the family of Lois,
I was so sad to see this tonight. I have a lot of fond memories of going to the O’Dea’s when I was little. I also remember going to school with Tommy from Lincoln school and on.
I hope you hold your memories of your mom close and that they comfort you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane Welbes says
O’Dea’s–My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time–just know she will always be with you no matter what.
hassell & bobbi painter says
Lois was a good friend for many years. I was just thinking about her this morning before i saw the notice. I remember her loaning “The Incredible Journey” to my daughter (who wore it out listening to it). She was always kind and caring. Good memories. I’ll miss her. Love
Denise Harvey says
Marianne and family,
Jay and I had the honor of attending a ham radio club Christmas party at your parent’s home several years ago. I remember it being one of most wonderful Christmas celebrations mostly due to the warm hospitality of your mom and dad, two of the kindest and humbly caring people in Miles City. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Teal Dobie says
Sorry for your loss Peggy. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Blake says
Marianne and Family,
I only knew your mother, through the many stories that Marianne shared. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know I am thinking of you and your family .
Terry Virag says
Tommy…So sorry to hear about your mom..Both your Dad and Mom will be missed. I remember them both listening in on two meters..Take care
Roxanna Brush says
Heaven has gained an incredible angel!!
Rose Timmons says
Sorry; for your loss Peggy..she sure was an awesome lady”) thoughts and Prayers to you and your family.
Lyla Strom Blazer says
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother passing. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in remembering all of your happy times together . She had the most beautiful smile .
Dannette Cremer says
To all the O’Dea family – sorry for your loss. I was surprised to see that Lois had passed. I’ve enjoyed visiting with her over the past years. She has now joined her sweetheart in heaven. God’s love and blessings to all of you.
Linda (Valley) and Richard Meidinger says
I worked with Lois at the VA for several years and she was one dear sweet lady.
I havent’ seen her for a lot of years and always thought so much of her. I also worked with you Peggy for a short time. I am sure now that she is back together with your dad she is happy to be in heaven. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Linda and Richard Meidinger
Kay Carlson says
Heartfelt love and prayers being sent to everyone. Guess it was time for your mom and dad to be together again.
Irene Sloan Family says
O’Dea Family,
Remembering Lois fondly … it was our honor to know her.
We pray the Lord will comfort your hearts as only he can do.
Thinking of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Wanda Dale says
Dear O’dea Family,
We’re so sorry to read of your moms passing. What a wonderful mom she must have been to have such wonderful kids. Thinking of all of you and especially Tim, who was our doctor for many years.
patricia christopherson says
Lois ODea’s family:
Lois was so humble and kind, she was one of my nursing instructors many years ago, and was kind and understanding to the students and had such a practical way of teaching.
Bless you Lois, rest in peace…
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Dick Culver says
Lois and my wife Denise, were the best of friends. I am so grateful for that special friendship.
My condolences Tom.
Dave & Colette Wilburn says
Marty, Peggy, and all the family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was one of a kind. As we go through life, some of us are fortunate to meet special people who we never forget. Your Mom & Dad were those people. May the memories of all the years be with you all. Our thoughts are with you.
“Old” friends
Dave & Colette Wilburn,
George and Katrina Luther says
Peggy and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She was a very special lady. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Luther Family
Jerel and Debra Blakely and girls says
We are all so grateful to have known Lois. She always treated us like we were part of the family and we will always remember her sweet and caring personality. We know she is finally reunited with Paul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Donna (Stone) Sindelar says
Marianne, Tom & family: So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you. Hoping that good memories help ease your pain. Take care.
Donna Sweeney says
Lois was the truest example of the nurse forte, TLC. We worked together for many years and I never heard of her ever treating a patient with anything except tender loving care (TLC.) In reading the obituary, I see many of her descendants (Drs) carried on with health care. Obviously Lois was a good example. She will be missed.
Deb (Moths) Schmeling says
Dear Peggy and family,
My heart goes out to all of you during this time. May God wrap his arms around each one of you and give you comfort and peace. It is always sad to loose your parent. You are in my prayers.
Hugs
Deb
Rebecca Kane says
I worked with Lois for many years at the VA in Miles City. I learned so much from her and besides being a great co-worker, she was a wonderful friend. I have thought of her through the years and hold my memories of her close to my heart. My prayers go out to all of her family and friends to give you peace at this time, and in the days ahead.
Rebecca Kane
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Peggy and Family,
So sorry about your mom. Prayers go out to you and your family.
God Bless.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Lois K. O’Dea – I am sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in many beautiful memories of Mrs. O’Dea at this difficult time. The promise of Paradise, the perfect conditions God originally intended for mankind in the Garden of Eden will be fulfilled including God’s “will being done as in Heaven also upon Earth” (Matt 6:9, 10). I hope that you are comforted by the many wonderful Bible promises (John 17:3).
Deborah Hanson says
Peggy and siblings, we were saddened to see that Lois has passed. Lois and Paul were truly such kind and thoughtful folks. It was our privilege to have them as our Pine HIlls neighbors and as friends. It is all of our loss. Your were lucky to have such loving parents. Take care of each other.
Sandra L. Darling says
O’Dea Family I am so sorry for your lose, Lois was a wonderful mother and lady
God Bless you all
Cathy Hall Emerson says
To the O’Dea family- My mother (Leona Moths Hall) thought so much of your mother. They worked together at the VA. She was such an influence on my mother’s faith. May she hand of God be placed upon each of you.
Marie Farnum Kluver says
The O’Dea Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I had a very nice visit with your parents just after my dad passed away. Lots of memories of times in the Yellowstone Valley were shared. God Bless You.
Kim Stanton says
Dear Peggy, Anna, Marty, Jeanette, and the entire family,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your dear mother. She was quite the lady and lived a wonderful life influencing so many in a positive way. I know she is enjoying her eternal rest with your dad/grandpa. May the Holy Spirit, the Divine Comforter, bring you all peace, consolation, and strength in the coming days as you celebrate her life and yet grieve her loss.
With Sympathy,
Kim, Dan, Kasey, and Kyle Stanton