Louise (Edwards) Alderman, age 85, passed away on August 6, 2025, after a short swift illness, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, surrounded by her children.
She was born in Broadus, MT on April 9, 1940, to Dale and Dorothy (Rayner) Edwards. She was the first-born child of what would be an eventual family of seven children. On taking Louise home from the hospital, they stopped by where Dale was herding sheep and stayed a few days in a covered wagon. This was likely the start of her love of having and tending animals.
Louise started her education in Broadus, but soon her father Dale decided it would be easier to educate the Edwards tribe with their own school close to home. He had a school building moved from the west side of the Powder River and set it near the ranch on Pilgrim Creek, happily within walking distance of home. Eventually, Louise did have to live in Broadus to attend high school, rooming with George and Betty Daniels, and having many lively adventures with her best friends Shiela and Jan. She could also be found often in the company of a tall, handsome athlete named Gerald, beginning their life-long love story.
Gerald and Louise were married on June 1,1958 in the Congregational Church in Broadus. Immediately after, they set out for California where Gerald’s brothers already resided, to live and work in Los Angeles. While there, they welcomed two sons to their family, Jerry in 1959 and Wayne in 1960. Louise did her best to like the big city, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Gerald asked if she’d be happy there if he got her a big house. On hearing a resounding “No!” he loaded up the family and they returned to Montana, living on her family’s ranch on Pilgrim Creek where Louises’ family has resided for 7 generations. Gerald did indeed build a nice house for her on the ranch. Gerald and Louise welcomed a daughter, Stacey, in 1972, completing the family. They resided there together until Gerald’s passing on Dec. 3, 2021, and Louise continued living there on her own until just a few weeks ago.
A born animal lover, Louise raised and tended almost every species. As a young girl, she had several pet skunks. Over the years, she had numerous bum calves, lambs, orphaned ducks, pheasants and turkeys. She had milk cows and goats, dogs, cats, burros, her own herd of sheep, and anything else that needed care. Except salamanders! Animals were generally not allowed in the house, but quite often a box of baby goats might be found in the basement during spring weather. In her later years, she learned how to run a swather, helping Gerald in the hay fields. But she generally didn’t like machinery, unless it involved letting her love for speed shine on the 4-wheeler. Gerald took the keys away more than once.
Along with family and animals, Louise loved and greatly enjoyed music. A little-known fact was that Louise could play the accordion. She also enjoyed singing and anyone playing the piano. After Gerald’s passing, her kids helped set up an Alexa, a pretty modern piece of technology for Louise. She loved it because it would play any type of music she wanted and also tell her the weather. She liked a variety of music, from Elvis to George Strait.
Louise’s three children and their families were the most important part of her life, and she was fiercely proud and protective of them. After Gerald’s passing, her children were blessed with the privilege of helping care for Louise so that she may continue living in the house that Gerald built for her. Having never lived alone in her life, it was a very difficult adjustment that she handled with her usual grace and strength. Gerald and Louise were married for 63 years and are joyfully reunited in heaven.
Louise is survived by her children: Jerry (Tracy) Alderman; Wayne (Marian) Alderman; and Stacey (Joe) Brown. She has 8 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Louise is also survived by sibling John (Kathy) Edwards, and Connie (Mitchell) Hayes.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Alderman; her parents Dale and Dorothy Edwards; brothers Francis, Wade, and Larry Edwards, and sister Debra Edwards.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery. Condolences can 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 August 14, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 15, 2025
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 14, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 15, 2025
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Share
Robbin Stoddard says
To all in the Alderman and the Edwards family, I offer sincere condolences. Louise was a gentle, lovely person. I am so sorry for your loss. May she rest peacefully
Dorcas mcwilliams says
So sorry hear about your mom, she was such a great lady and she’ll be missed! My prayers are with you now!,
Tom and Judy Collins says
We are so sorry to hear that Louise passed away. She was such a wonderful lady. We always enjoyed visiting with her. Our thoughts are with all of the family.
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
Sending our deepest sympathy to the Alderman families. We have known Louise all of our lives and thought of her as a good neighbor and friend. We will miss seeing her and will remember her fondly. Our prayers are with you all.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Alderman family.
Gerald & Janet Himelspach says
Our condolences to the Alderman and Edwards families. Louise was a good friend and I know she will be missed. May your memories sustain you in this time of grief. Thinking of you, Stacey, Wayne and Jerry Dale.
Janet & Gerald Himelspach
Mable Louise Watters Lane says
Louise: Was a wonderful a lady and a great friend and part of my family.She will be missed by everyone that know her!! Praying for all of family members ❤️❤️❤️
Mable Watters Lane says
Mable Louise Watters Lane says; Louise was a hard worker with a big heart ❤️ and everybody will miss her Alot!! I Will be Praying for all of Louise’s family members ❤️❤️❤️ Because we all Love 💕💕
Wayne Jr. and Serena Wetherelt says
Condolences to the Alderman and Edward’s families. Louise was a kind and gentle lady. May your memories give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Prayers for all the family.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Judy Denson-Keller says
Jerry, Wayne, Stacey, John, Connie and families, my heart, thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to all of you at this most difficult time. Louise ran that ranch like a CHAMP! She was also such a good neighbor and was there for all of us whether it was branding, docking, or during a crisis. Louise had a kind heart and gentle soul. May she rest in peace 🕊️.
Tanya and Greg says
Stacey and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you in the difficult time.
Tanya and Greg Leidholt
Dorothy Alderman says
We loved spending time with them on their ranch, our three sons have wonderful memories of those times. So fortunate we were blessed some visiting time with her over the 4th of July this year. Our hearts are sad for the whole family, but know she is at peace after walking those stairs to heaven to jpin Gerald. Lessings to you all.
Mary Temple says
Thank you for the lovely words shared with us on some brief highlights of Louise’s life on this earth. You have a beautiful family and I’m sure she’s smiling down on us knowing now. We’re honored to know Wayne and Marian, and little of your family, and to have been blessed by their love of art and sharing music; brtinging us a little more joy in this life. Bessings friends, Mary & Scott Temple
Laurie Janssen Claypool says
To Louise’s children and grandchildren, I am so sorry for sorry for the loss of your mother/grandmother
She will be missed many!
Sending sympathy to you all,
Laurie Janssen Claypool
Leo and Jo Jurica says
Stacy and family
So sorry to hear of your mother‘s passing. We always enjoyed seeing her and visiting with her at the Brown’s branding. Our condolences to you and your family.
Jim Edwards says
Jerry & family – it was with great sadness that I learned of Mrs. Alderman‘s passing. After reading the early part of Jerry’s book, you couldn’t help but be attracted to Mrs. Alderman. I only wished I would’ve gotten to meet her, I know we would’ve enjoyed one another. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim Edwards.
Mary Smith Roig. Ellen Smith' says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember how sweet Louise was, and I was working in the nursing home when Mom , Dortyhy, Edwards was a resident there. She’ll be missed by family and the entire community . I know my mom had alot in common with the love of music Louise had, too. I’m praying for all of you.