The service will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/stevensonandsons/.
Lona Bell Aye passed away from this life on July 6th, 2020. She was born in Glasgow, MT on July 10th, 1929, the oldest child and only daughter of Louis and Harriet (Abel) Broadbrooks. She was later joined by brothers Jack in 1935 and Lyle (Heavy) in 1942. She was proud of the fact her family had come to Montana from Texas with the early cattle drives.
Lona always enjoyed working on the family ranch near Saco, Montana in her youth. Whether moving cattle or putting up hay with a buck rake or fighting off mosquitos the size of birds, she cherished every moment. She attended Saco High School and graduated in 1947. After graduating she moved to Miles City, and lived with her Aunt and Uncle, Glada and Herb Abel. While in Miles City, she attended beauty school and worked as a hair dresser.
Lona met Lester Aye around this time and the two were married in 1949. After their marriage they made their home on the Aye family ranch located on the Beaver Flats near Ekalaka, Montana. They were joined by their daughter Kathy in 1950. They worked hard raising wheat and cattle. Lona tended the garden and flower beds. We have been told some of the flowers she planted are still there today. Lester tragically passed away in 1953, and Lona returned to Miles City.
In 1957 she married Willis Aye. They were joined by two sons, Bret in 1960 and Aaron in 1965. While in Miles City the family owned and operated two farms, one North of Kinsey on the Cap Rock Road, and another along the banks of the Tongue River south of town. They also ran several small businesses including a tree nursery and greenhouse.
Lona was an excellent cook and held many family dinners. She was well known for her first-class catfish recipe which was enjoyed by everyone who tasted it. She believed in cooking everything from scratch, there were no box mixes for her.
She spent her life helping others, which came natural given her generous and caring heart. She took care of Kathy in the family home until she was no longer able to. She had a love of travel going on many family trips to destinations like Hawaii, California and the family cabin in the Black Hills. Most of all she enjoyed returning to her roots in Saco and spending time with her brothers Jack and Lyle.
Lona belonged to the United Methodist Church and several church circles. She and Willis were founding members of the Yellowstone Agate Club. She had a passion for gardening and growing flowers, she won many awards for her roses and peonies at the county fair. Her hidden talent was that she was a remarkable painter and artist, a gift she was always humble about.
Lona is survived by her daughter Kathy, sons Bret (Tanna) and Aaron, and grandson Scott of Miles City. Sisters in Law Mary Lou Broadbrooks of Malta, and Arla Green of Carmel California. Step children Earl (Betty) Aye of Epsie, MT and Peggy Aye of Mesquite, NV and their children. As well as numerous special nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers. Husbands Lester in 1953 and Willis in 2004, and stepson Fred Aye.
The family will be receiving friends on Friday, July 10, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 6;00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 11:00 am at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday July 10, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday July 11, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
After Funeral Service
Saturday July 11, 2020
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday July 10, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday July 11, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
After Funeral Service
Saturday July 11, 2020
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Aye family, Lona will be missed. My prayers for your family at this time of grieving. May you continue to have good memories of Lona, memories as special as the ones you have shared in her obituary.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Curtis Fillafer says
Bret, Tana, Aeron, and family. I so sorry for the loss of your mom and mother in law. June and I have many many pleasant memories of your mom and dad from the Yellowstone Agate Club. So many hours of conversing and gaining knowledge in the lapidary field. Lona was always polite and kind. No negativity upon no one. God Bless you Lona and may the lord be with you forever in heaven.
Cheryl Tonn says
My condolences to you all on your loss. You were blessed to have her for so many years!!
Mike & Myrna Higgins says
Our deepest sympathy Bret, to you and all your family, prayers for you all at this time
Elizabeth (Betty) Fridrichson says
My sympathy to Lona’s family. When I lived in Miles City Lona was a friend. We went to TOPS together, and my grandson, Ronnie spent many good times with Lathy and Lona. She was a wonderful woman, and will be missed.