Funeral Service
Graveside Service
Tribute Video
Loretta (Skalicky) Lala passed away peacefully on June 5, 2024 at Extended Care at Holy Rosary in Miles City, MT. She was born on May 13, 1922, in Brocket, ND, to Alfred and Katherine Skalicky, where she was the 4th oldest of 9 children.
Loretta’s education consisted of 8 years of school. She graduated from 8th grade in Lawton, ND. Her time after that was at home working on the farm and doing household chores, because it was wartime and help was very hard to come by.
On March 28th, 1947 Loretta and Roman Lala were married in Miles City, MT. To this union they had 4 children together. Loretta worked several places including the V.A. Hospital in Miles City, Holy Rosary Hospital as a nurse’s aide, Eagle’s Manor, and Munchies doing prep work. She always enjoyed the work she did during her life.
Loretta belonged to the Sacred Heart Church, St Francis Circle, and she was the President of the Eagles Auxiliary and Drove of Does. She was a beautiful baker and excellent cook. She always said there was nothing like a good cup of coffee and an apricot kolachy. She was always busy doing something. She never was one to sit and relax. She had to keep busy, even when she moved into Extended Care. She was either having coffee with friends, playing bingo, or doing crafts and embroidery. She was always so proud of the ribbons she won at the fair, whether it was crafts she made or for her embroidery. You could also find her outside sitting in the sun. She always commented that the sun made her body feel so good.
When Loretta turned 100 years old, someone had asked her how does it feel to be 100 and she said, “I don’t know, I don’t feel old.” She took aging with ease and never lost her ability to converse and make everyone around her laugh. She was always a joy to be around. She enjoyed family get togethers during the holidays or Sunday morning breakfast at the Hole in the Wall. It was always fried eggs, hashbrowns and coffee. She loved watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren, always amazed at how they were growing up so quickly. When her two eldest great grandchildren were born, she hoped she would live long enough to watch them walk… they are 13 and 14 years old this year. We can safely say she surpassed her goal.
Loretta is survived by three sisters, Katy Pesek, Sister Elizabeth Skalicky, and Joann Connelly. Her three children, Ron Lala, Connie Schaefer, and Mary Robinson, all of Miles City. Six grandchildren, Clydean Harrington, Julie Dustin, Mary Schaefer, Edmund Schaefer, Andrea Robinson and Kate (Kelly) Stewart, seven great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, one brother in-law, one sister in-law, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Loretta is proceeded in death by her parents, husband Roman of 55 years, her son Tom Lala, one brother and four sisters, and two son-in-law’s Casper Shaefer and Jim Robinson.
We would like to take this time to thank Extended Care at Holy Rosary for taking care of our mother these last 14 years. She always said you were all so kind and caring. You all held a special place in her heart.
So “Loretta Love” until we meet again, we love you and we will miss you.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Wake up & Lace up or Erin’s Hope Project or to a charity of your choice.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary following at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Following the Mass the Rite of Committal will take place in the family plot at Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 13, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Avenue
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 13, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Friday June 14, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Avenue
Miles City , Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass of Christian Burial
Friday June 14, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 13, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Avenue
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 13, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Friday June 14, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Avenue
Miles City , Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass of Christian Burial
Friday June 14, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Barbara Ashley says
So sorry for your loss. Loretta was a very special person. I cherish the memories I have from my childhood when visiting the Lala home. I always looked forward to see what special craft she may have at the fair.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Ron, Connie, Mary and all the Lala family—
I’m sorry to see that your Mom has passed away, but she lived a good & honest life throughout her years. She was a lovely lady and I enjoyed visiting with her at Extended Care. My sincere sympathy is going your way.
Sherri Prevel Schneidt says
I have fond memories of her when I was a child. Such a sweet soul. My condolences to you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb Jerrel says
Rest in peace Sweet Loretta, God knows you earned it. Sending love to Connie and the family…❣️
Carole Dighans and Bernie says
Ron , Connie and Mary and all of family members! Sorry for your loss of such a special lady. Bernie and my prayers are with all of you at this time. Lots of love and prayers!
Betty Vail says
She lived a great life and had a wonderful family. Keep this precious memories close to your heart.
Marlus Amsden says
To all the family, Lorretta was a wonderful lady. Always had a smile in her face. She worked hard all her life. Now she can rest easy in heaven with Tom, Roman and my dad Garfield. Peace be with you all.
Sandi Kohones and Jon Wilkerson says
I am so very sorry to learn of Loretta’s passing. She was one of the most amazing people I ever knew. I always loved the story she told me about when she and Kenny’s mother Fern, pushed their baby’s in their strollers around town. I hope they are together again ! Thoughts and prayers are with you all !
Diane M Welbes says
So sorry to hear this–I just saw her last week at mass in the hospital. Cherish your memories, they will carry you through. Thoughts and prayers.
Diane says
She was such a sweet lady!! Always so cheerful! She will be missed!
Carol Schneider says
Lala Family,
You had a wonderful mother. I have known her since I was a young girl and spending nights and days with Connie. I know how much all of you and the grandkids will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rest in peace sweet lady!
Linda Hodgson says
Mary and family….so sorry for your loss. What a sweet lady. She will be missed. Sympathy and prayers for you all.
Kathy Marks says
Connie, Mary and family,
We are never ready to lose our parents but what a bonus to have had your mother all these years. Hold your memories tightly, prayers for all of you.
Barb Seibert says
I am sorry to see this. She was such a kind sweet unselfish person. Loved her family to no end. She will be much missed by many.
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
So sorry for your loss.
Donna says
Oh my ! Mary and Connie and family, your mom was an amazing lady. I loved her good heart and sense of humor! She touched many people in her life time and I believe she has many memories she left with you! Connie and Mary , I hear her laughter and her sense of humor in both of you. Lots of love and prayers.
Charlene Regan says
Connie, Mary and Ron,
I was so surprised to see that your mother has passed. We just spoke about her a few days ago. You have been so fortunate to have shared all these years with her. I remember the friendship she and my mom had all those years ago. God bless your sweet mother, may she rest in peace. You are all in my thoughts. Charlene Regan
Bonnie mace says
Lala family
So sorry for your loss. Remember all the good times with your mother and grandmother
David & Danette Olguin says
Ron, Connie and Mary, We are so sorry to hear about your mother and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Pam Rogge says
Lala family, my prayers and condolences to all of you. Loretta was a special lady who will be missed by many who knew and loved her. Cherish the memories.
Ginger Kiel says
Lala family… hugs and prayers to all of you. Loretta was a n amazing lady who touched many lives and hearts. I remember her as always being the full of life, humor and the voice of reason!! She will be missed and always in your memories.
Janet Edmonds says
Connie, Mary, Ron – Your Mom was just so fun. The memories are endless and delightful. From letting the neighborhood kids always play in the Lala back yard, to the large amount of great Halloween treats she handed out every year, to having grand times at every Eagles picnic, to the meet ups at the Montana and to the very enjoyable lunches we shared. Your Mom loved to laugh and gave reason for others to laugh. I know your Mom and our Mom are now having a bloody mary (or two) and laughing uncontrollably! God bless.
Kaitlyn Perkins says
Loretta was such a sweet lady, she will be missed. I am happy she lived a long and blessed life. I always enjoyed hearing her stories!
Jim and Lavina Hall says
Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Our prayers and sympathy. Jim and Lavina
Jackie Stroh says
Rest in Peace Lorretta! What a beautiful spirit you had and enjoyed taking care of!! My sympathies to all of the family in the days ahead. Always admired how close of family you all are. This is going to be a void for all of you! 102 years what a milestone and positive attitude she had.
Shannon says
Oh no, thought she was going to outlast us all. What a sweet woman. Nobody could decorate a tea towel like Loretta. Her cheerfulness and upbeat attitude will be greatly missed. Here’s to wonderful memories.
Kim Peterson says
I am sorry to see that your mom passed. She was such a kind women. RIP
Maureen Larson says
Dear Lala family – So sorry to see the loss of your mother. May all the wonderful memories you must all have bring you comfort. God bless!
Ben and Brenda Muggli says
Lala family I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful lady. Hugs and prayers for your family.
Eileen Entzel says
My thoughts and prayers are with you
I am sure your good memories will stay with you
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Dear Lala Family,
Loretta was such a wonderful lady. Have so many fond memories of working with her at Munchies. You were blessed to have her for so many years. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort now and in the day’s to come. RIP dear Loretta!
Ed & Melva Curnan says
Ron,Mary’s and Conniie, Sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Never the wonderful memories. Our sympathies and prayers to the Lala family! R.I.P Loretta 🙏🙏
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry to hear about Loretta. I enjoyed my visits with her. My sympathies and prayers for all off Loretta’s family and friends
linda walker says
Oh my, your Mom was a sharp little pistol wasn’t she. Sad for you kids.
Diane Peanuts Money says
Ron,Connie and Mary-Gramma Layla has completed her journey-There was no better a person than her-We were so lucky to have the Mom”s we did in our life-Growing up with all the Patch’s kids she really was a Mom to us all-Prayers for you all and blessing for her as steps into her next life! Love to you all! Diane, Mike ,Tate and Spud along with Gena -just us Patch kids!
Shannon Uden-Lamon says
My sincere condolences to Loretta’s family.
Joanne Richardson says
To all of Loretta’s family, So sorry to hear that your loving mother has left us. I really enjoyed the many years visiting Loretta through the Homebound ministry and the last few years in Residential Living activities. She also kept so busy crocheting many beautiful heirlooms. Loretta left many memories for her family to treasure. May she rest in eternal peace and may time help heal your loss.
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
Loretta was a beautiful kind soul. She made Mom’s stays at extended care so much fun. The stories those two told. I am sure that crew are playing cards and dancing in heaven.
Dave @ Agnes Atkinson says
So sorry for your loss Loretta was a great lady
Shona says
So sorry to hear Loretta passed. She was one of my favorites! She will be missed by many. Ron Connie and Mary and all the kiddos we will miss you as well as Loretta at residential living!
Hugs and comforting prayers to friends and family!
Ruben and June Opp says
Ron ,Connie and Mary, Ruben and I are so sorry to see of the passing of your mother ,she did live a very long life.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these difficult days and the days to come.
Ruben and June Opp
Gena Major says
Ron, Connie and Mary Lynn,
What wonderful memories of being next door neighbors for our entire childhood years. Those are times we remember and cherish. Your mom and dad were like family. I know you all are grateful for the many years you shared with Loretta but the loss is still painful. Prayers for all of you, we know your mom is truly at peace now.
Larry and Gena Patch Major
Kyle & Gail shaw says
Dear Family, We are thinking of all of you. It was wonderful to have her for so many years. She had good health for a long time. Prayers for you all.
Sandy Rabe says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all.
Peggy Smotherman says
To all of Loretta’s family, May our loving and most Heavenly Father bring you comfort as you grieve the deathly life of your mom, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. She was one of nicest women I ever met! A true Lady full of all the attributes of what God wants us to be. Rest well with our Lord and Savior beautiful!
Nora Gamber says
Sorry for your loss Connie and family. She was a sweet lady and she will be missed by all who knew her.
Laura jane Willson says
So sorry for you loss.
Laurie Christopherson says
Loretta was such a sweet soul!! She always had a beautiful smile on her face and and always said that she loved life and how happy she was at Residential Living. She will be greatly missed by all, but we will always have the wonderful memories of her. Thoughts and prayers to all of the family. Fly High Sweet Loretta.
Larry French says
Sorry about your Mom Ron.
Mary Olson says
So sorry for your loss. I a!awys enjoyed working with your mom Loretta at that Eagles Manor all those years ago. She was a awesome , grand lady. Hugs and prayers to your family.
Richard and LInda (Stevens) Meidinger says
So sorry to hear obout you mom passing. Remember her from the past. She was a sweet lady. May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to all her family. Hugs
Vickie Schulz says
You have my deep sympathy for your loss. I have very fond memories of your mom during our carefree days of youth. I was very lucky to have an opportunity to be able to visit with Loretta recently. I will remember her positive outlook and advice on how to make the most of our time together. Take care of yourselves
Kim Stanton says
Dear families,
So very saddened to read your beloved mother and grandmother has passed. What an amazing life she lived! I’m thinking of all of you as you grieve her loss and how different life is without her. Eternal rest grant unto her, o Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Peace be with you all. With sympathy,
Kim Stanton
Linda Moore says
to the Lala families You all were so blessed to have a “jewel” of a mom in Loretta We thank you all for sharing with her with us all Take care an God Bless
Ray and Terri Schmidt says
We were so sorry to learn of the passing of Loretta. What an amazing amazing woman. When she worked with us at Munchies, she kept us laughing. She was always in such great spirits and a very hard and loyal employee. We should all aspire to be like Loretta. We are sending you all hugs as we know she will be missed terribly. But what wonderful memories you will have.
Regalado Family says
Connie,Mary and Ron
We hope you’ll find comfort in the memories of your dear Mother. She was such a sweet lady. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Tonn says
Connie and Mary…..and families
You were so blessed to have your mother with you for so long!!! My condolences to you all as I know to you it still wasn’t long enough!!
Timmy Walks With Three Legs says
RIP
Nita (Regalado) Clements says
Thank You for posting your Mother’s service on line so I could watch it from Tampa, Florida. It was a beautiful service. She was chosen by the Father and the Son. May her angels be her guide. Your mother will always hold a special place in my heart.
Aldis Olson Fischer says
Connie. I just saw this! I’m so sorry you lost your dear Mother. I loved her. I used to fix her hair at June’s Beauty College in 1970 and 1971. She was a very sweet lady. My deepest sympathy to you and all your family. Prayers for peace and comfort 🙏💞💐
Sandi Bruce says
Connie and Mary and family I’m very sorry for the loss of your mother