Lois A. Pyle, age 92 of Miles City, passed away the morning of July 14, 2018 at her home in Miles City with family by her side.
Lois was born on February 9, 1926 in Coalwood, MT. Daughter of Samuel H. and Myrtle M. (Denison) Smith, Lois was the youngest of 6 (Lloyd, Ruth, Mabe, Nan & Jim). She grew up on the family ranch in Coalwood and attended country schools. Lois graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City. A persistent Donald L. Pyle would continually ask Lois and her niece Skinx (Mabel) if they needed a ride home from school in his truck. Donald and Lois married on February 15, 1946 in Boulder, Montana where her sister Nan lived. During World War II Lois moved to Seattle, WA where she worked for Boeing. When the war ended Lois and Donald purchased a ranch on the Tongue River. They worked the ranch for a quite a few years before leasing a ranch North of Terry, MT in 1964. After two years, they moved into Miles City and Don turned his focus to dirt and land contracting. Shortly after, Pyle Inc. was born, where Lois performed the bookkeeping duties for the family business. Don and Lois have four children: Donald B., Ted H., Shirley A. and Marilyn M. Lois was a charter member of the Tongue River Cowbells, postmistress for Garland Post Office for two and a half years, Garland School Board for 11 years and helped tart two 4H clubs. Riding wild horses with Mabe was one of Lois’s fondest memories. She also enjoyed crocheting. Her quick, witty sense of humor will be missed by her family and all who knew Lois best. Thank you to Lois’s very very special friends who have helped her greatly: LaVonne, Jessie, McKenna, Vicki, Ginger, Audrey and Kim.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents Sam & Myrtle, her siblings: Lloyd Howard Smith, Alice Ruth Gaskill Gibson, Mabel J. Gates Sinclair, Nan May Turley and Jim Ray Smith; her husband Donald L. Pyle and her son Ted H. Pyle.
She is survived by her children: Donald “Berl” (Cathy) Pyle of Miles City and daughter Michele (Dave) Simms; daughter in law Peggy Pyle of Miles City and her children: Jeremy Pyle, Jesse (Lindsay) Pyle, Jenny (Travis) Helm and Stephanie (Alan) Olson; Shirley (Walter) Rolf of Miles City and their children: Tonya (Brady) Liles and Gary (Amber) Rolf; Marilyn (Cliff) Schantz of Miles City and their children: Sabrina (Frank) Wagner, Clifford Z. (Hanna) Schantz and Shane (Kaci) Schantz. Lois also leaves behind 20 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 22, 2018 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Graveside services will be held on Monday, July 23, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Hospice, 2600 Wilson Street, Miles City, MT 59301 or the Custer County Council on Aging, 1010 Main Street, Ste 12, Miles City, MT 59301.
Denise Harvey says
Lois was a very kind lady and my mom so enjoyed their coffee times with the chicken!
May God Bless You all with cherished memories!
Anita and Jim Scheeler says
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. SHe was a very sweet lady and was so kind. Our prayer are with you all.
Susan & Dennis Bakken says
Our deepest sympathies
Kyle and Gail Shaw says
Dear Family, We are thinking of you all at this time. It’s so hard to let go.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom and Grandma. We are thinking of you all. What wonderful memories you have of this wonderful lady. God bless.
Jim and Cathy Bastian says
We are so sorry! You are all in our thoughts and prayers. She leaves you a beautiful legacy to carry on!
Deb & Bob Hagemeister says
We are so sorry to hear about Lois — she was truly a wonderful lady! Always enjoyed her hospitality and visits. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time!
GARY AND PAT HELM FAMILY says
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT LOIS, SHE AND DON WERE SUCH A NICE COUPLE. SHE WILL VER Y MUCH MISSED GOD BLESS HER FAMILY.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Sad to hear of Lois passing. She was always sweet to us. We have many memories of the dirt moving jobs and conversations we had as friends. She will always be there in the memories. Our sincere condolences.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Dannette Cremer says
It’s been a while since I last saw Lois, but I truly enjoyed visiting with her over the years. Sincere condolences to all of Lois’ family.
Dixie Ciccarelli says
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Aunt Lois. I have many fond memories of times at the ranche when a young girl from AZ could believe she was a “cowgirl”. Aunt Lois was always calm and patient with the mess that 6 kids could make. She will be missed by all. Our love to you all. Dixie, Bob, Chris, Justin and Chase Ciccarelli
PAT HERZOG says
So sorry for your loss and will have all of your family in our thoughts and prayers Monte and Pat Herzog
Maureen Larson says
So sorry for your loss and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Lonnie Supanchick says
Donny and family. Sorry for your loss. She was a fun lady always treated me good ,even though we sometimes gave her a hard time.
Jim & Norma Reilly says
Dear Family, we are sorry for your loss. Jim & I have fond memories of Don and Lois when they lived out at the Tibbitt’s Ranch. Also when visiting them inMiles City. Rhonda’s and Dana’s horses were afraid of their Llamas whenever we stopped there. I’ll always remember the good visits with Lois and Graace Stoebe. Our deepest sympathy.
Voni Tally says
We are so very sorry . Your Mom was blessed to have her kids there to help her to the end. Prayers for all of you.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Chris and I are very sorry for your loss. Please know you all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Curt/Patsy Almy says
Shirley and family,
Nothing replaces our moms. Loving prayers for you all.
Sheila Kale says
Donny and families, I am so sorry to hear this news. You know how I feel so I need not say more.
Bob Settle says
Donny sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Bob & Retha Settle
Kathleen Feickert Humphries says
So sorry to hear about Lois. Tthe best memories of my childhood were of visits to Miles City and the opportunity to leave the “city girl” behind at the various Pyle ranches and homesteads. Lois took all in stride. Two more for supper, no problem. Overnight, no problem. A child’s dream fulfilled. Thank you, Lois, for all those memories. You will be missed. To the family, love and prayers during this most difficult time. Kathleen and Kermit Humphries
Connie Huseby says
Shirley…sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved Mother.
Our prayers and tears are with you.
Arn, Connie and Joel.
Joan Hubber says
So sorry about your sweet mom. I remember talking to her when visiting the llamas Joan Sweeney Hubber
Mike & Patsy Davis says
Our sincere thoughts and sympathy to all of you in the loss of your beloved Lois. I never knew her, but Mike has such fond memories of your family, when he stayed there with you in high school, Don! Love and Hugs to all of you.
Mike Mangen says
So very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of being neighbors with the Pyle family. She was always so nice to us.
Mike and Dorrie Mangen
Linda Walker says
Don, Shirley and family, Just read about your moms passing. So sorry to hear this. I am sad for you.
Cora Mae Smith Ofstie says
I am sorry to hear of Lois’s death. She was such a fine friendly woman. She & Donnie were such fun! Many brandings we enjoyed with them. My Dad (Carl Smith) enjoyed his visits with Donnie & Lois very much. Lois reminded me of Great Aunt Myrtle; they shared a wonderful laugh. My. Condolences to Donnie Beryl & the girls. You had such a fine Mother….