With family by her side, Lois Pawlowski Tew at 81 years of age, passed away Thursday April 6th, 2017 from complications of leukemia…and because of her faith we know that she was joyfully excepted with open arms by her Lord, husband Don and son Dave. A reunion that was a long time in the making and would have been epic to watch.
Lois, (Loie to most) was one of seven children born to Henry and Esther Pawlowski on March 25th, 1936 in Circle, Montana. She graduated high school in 1954 and after three years of nurses training, on October 8th, 1957, she married Don Tew. Ranching and farming was their living. (Although Dad would probably not want to admit to the farming part!!) He said Mom was the only person he had ever known that could tip over a plow. To this way of life they added Jeff, Dave and JoDee. Dave died in 1968 from liver cancer and was gone but never forgotten. He was almost 7. She was a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church, hard worker, made sure we had meat, potatoes, salad, bread and a vegetable on our plates, always ate last, and was a Sunday school teacher. She played the piano and bass guitar, took her turn on the school board, was a fun Grandma who liked to read books and take adventure walks, a registered nurse for 7 1/2 years at the nursing home in Circle and knew she was almost home when driving over the beautiful divide into the Weldon and Prairie Elk community. Lois kept a daily diary since she was 14 years old, this even the neighbors enjoyed, as they would call to see when they turned their bulls out or what the weather was on a certain day a year or more ago. Our life was very well documented. Her favorite things to do (when she wasn’t baking bread) was to take down old fences, clean up homesteads, plant garden and flowers, metal detecting, refinishing old furniture, reading and collecting family history and photo’s. She lived simply, gave much, worried about us all a lot and always stayed busy. After Dons death in 1997 she spent winters in town, provided a place to stay and a hot meal for the grandkids (and for any of us that needed it) and spent her summers in the country where she really wanted to be.
Lois was preceded in death by her husband Don and son David Tew, brothers Marvin and Delbert and parents Henry and Esther Pawlowski. She leaves behind son Jeff (Lynnette) Tew, daughter JoDee (Larry) Arnston and five grandchildren: Travis Tew, Stacy Tew, Jena Nagle, Janae Rosaaen and Lathe Arnston, and sig great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Circle. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Jana Hance says
JoDee, Jeff and family – Lois was such a neat lady, have missed seeing her walking and visiting since she was in the nursing home. She always treated Shaylee like one of her own grandchildren and asked about her when I saw her.
Hugs and Prayers to you and your family.
Denise Strand Stambaugh says
Jodee, Jeff and families,
Condolences to all of Lois’s family. May Gods grace bless your families during this time of sorrow.
Greg Berger says
JoDee, Jeff, and families,
My deepest condolences go out to all of you during this difficult time. It’s never easy losing a family member nor should we ever forget them. May God’s healing hands surround all of you during this time of sorrow and celebration of life.
Brad Carlson says
Jeff & JoDee,
My condolences on the passing of your mom. I always enjoyed her sense of humor and, of course, Jeff was the master at testing it.
Linda Whiteaker says
Jeff, JoDee and families, My thoughts and prayers are with you . Lois was a special lady.
Candy huseby says
She was such a sweet lady, so devoted to her family. She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers. God bless
Terry jackson says
I am so sorry to hear of Lois passing away, she was such a sweet lady and will be missed by many, sending prayers to friends and family..
Kelley Fillenworth says
JoDee,Jeff and Families, our thoughts and prayers are with you . Many fond memories of Louis and Don. She was a great lady and friend. Kelley, Cindi Fillenworth and Family.
Suzy O'Brien Bryan says
I will miss her terribly! I was blessed to have her and Don as my godparents! Thoughts and prayers to you guys!
Cindy Cartwright says
Jeff,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy (Hawkinson) Fuchs says
JoDee, Jeff and families…I’m so very sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a gem and she will be missed by the Circle community.
Patsy & Harvey Kuntz says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person.
Susan and Jerry Blohm says
Love you and miss you Loie
Jeff and Jodee, so sorry we cant be there, prayers for you
Cindie Fitch says
Jeff and JoDee, my thoughts and prayers to you and your families. Loie is a very fond memory for me.
Ross and Laura Dreyer Bleazard says
Loie was such a sweet lady, always with that beautiful smile. It seems like we are slowly saying goodbye to all the old neighbors that were such an special part of growing up. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So many good memories.
Russell Pederson age 56 says
FamilyI’m very sorry for your los, Lois is reunited in Heaven with Don, David Delbert, Henry & Esther plus the many many friends that have gone before her. She is in Paradise with the savior she taught many many of us local children to believe in and love., Thank you dear Lois for giving your time and your heart as a Sunday school teacher. Lois will never be forgotten because of who she was and what she did.
Don & Nancy Moos says
JoDee, Larry and family,
Lois was always such a pleasant lady. She brightened the day whenever we saw her. Know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
Debbie (Bond) Wagner says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The family of Dale and Ruth Bond
Cindy Stanton says
Jeff, Travis, Stacy & families,
My sincerest sympathy for your loss. May God give you peace and comfort. Hugs to you all.
Nola Hunter says
I just came across this and I am glad that I did. My thoughts are with you Jodee and Jeff. Your mom and dad have a special place in my heart as well as you two.
Kimberly Lombardi says
Brian has found memories of your Dad, Mom and family. Many blessings even though it has been awhile since you lost your mother. Blessings,
The Lombardi Family
Gary, Mary, Brian, Laurie, Eric, Kimberly and Family