Wildene Fortune passed away peacefully at Friendship Villa on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, where she had been a resident after suffering an aneurysm 7 years ago.
Wildene was born May 30, 1935, in Gage, Oklahoma, to Bill and Vernice White. She had an older brother, Bob, and a younger sister, Karen. In 1951, the family moved to Philip, South Dakota, where she continued her schooling.
Wildene married Vern Fortune in Philip, SD on October 10, 1952. They made their home on the Fortune Ranch. During this time they had five daughters, Susan, Janice, Kathy, Shelly and Denise.
The family moved to Montana in 1962 and ranched on the Tounge River. Twin daughters, Stacy and Darcy, joined the family in 1966. A son Todd joined the family in 1968.
Wildene and Vern divorced in 1970 and she became a single mother and moved to Miles City.
Wildene was always proud to be an “Okie” but was also super proud of being a Montanan. That Montana grit served her well as a single mother.
Wildene worked various jobs in the early years but worked for years at the Bison Bar and then worked at onrad’s Clothing store where she retired as store manager.
Wildene loved quilting, embroidering, gardening, garage sales, traveling, coffee with friends and spending time with her family, especially her grandkids! Wildene was known for her dry sense of humor and quick wit.
Wildene was preceded in death by her brother, Bob; her parents, Bill and Vernice; two daughters, Denise and Shelly; one son, Todd, and granddaughter, Abby Jo Michal.
Wildene is survived by her daughters, Susan (Ron) Wells, Janice Fortune, Kathy (Lee) Baugatz, Stacy Fortune (Stacy Butts) and Darcy (Les) Boggs; grandchildren, Paul (Suzie) Pauley, Brenda (Travis) Witkowski, Amanda (Brandon) Kieson, CJ (Aaron) Governatri, Misty Wells, Dusty Wells, Brandon and Morgann Long Fox, Jillian and Cameron Boggs and Hayden and Rowen Butts; great-grandchildren, William “Liam” and Avery Pauley, Michael and Tanner Muggli, Hallee and Hayven Witkowski, Kerrigan, Teagan, and LaRae Kieson, Tristan, Alec, Zoey, Michal, Brooke Governatri and Colter Wells. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins that she loved very much.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles city. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire memorials can be made to the Erin’s Hope Project in memory of Wildene. The family of Wildene would like to extend a special thank you to all the loving and caring staff at the Friendship Villa that helped take care of her over the years.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy. Loved Wildene.
linda walker says
Thinking of you family. She was a beautiful woman.
Mary Partridge says
Wildene was a very special lady. Sending you my deepest sympathy.
gary and pat helm says
our thoughts and prayers go out to Wildene,s family, she was such a nice lady
Maureen Larson says
So sorry to hear this and send my sincere sympathies to Wildene’s family. She was a wonderful lady. I have such fond memories of her and her beautiful smile. Blessings to you all.
Linda Niedge says
I am so sad to hear this news. Wildene ALWAYS made me laugh!! What a gift she was! I feel blessed to have known her. May she rest now in peace. Keeping you all in my heart and prayers.
Shelley Bell says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking about you all. She was amazing.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family on the loss of your mother.
Shelly Beeler says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved your mom and it was such a privilege to care for her. Wrapping you up in lots of love and always in my prayers?
Michael white says
My deepest sympathy to my cousins, your mom has always had a place in my heart.
robert and linda varner says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family on the loss of your mother.
Lige and Mary Ann Murray says
Always enjoyed Wildene and her warm smile. She made the best popcorn cakes for Christmas of which I was the lucky recipient a couple of times. My sympathies go out to her entire family. Treasure the wonderful memories. Thinking of you all.
Gary & Bernadette says
Praying for all the family. Lots of memories. A wonderful lady!
Linda Stokes says
Your mom was a very special person. I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family
Renée Peterson says
I have many fun times and good laughs with Wildene. She truly truly a joy to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Renee
Kathy Damm Culy says
Thinking of you all durning this sad time. Your mom was so fun tho it’s been quite a few years since I saw her. But my memories and others will never be forgotten.
Always a good conversation and happy heart ❤️
Hugs to you all
Dottie Johnstone says
Do sad to hear this. Loved this lady, we had so many good times. Prayers are on the way for the family.
Don and Del says
Our prayers are with you. Wildene was an awesome lady.
Rocky & Carol Plympton says
So sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Rainie says
All I can think about is happy thoughts Iv had with this this one of a kind classy lady!!!
Great memories and will hold them dear to my hear forever ❤️
Love, Rainie and Peyton Mullanix
Stephanie Michels says
So sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort at this very sad time. Thinking of you.
Yvonne Wohlhueter says
Oh sweet Wildene. We have so many funny stories and memories of you. You will be sorely missed.
Marilyn Askin says
My Sympathy, Love and Prayers to all of your family.
Janel Haggerty says
My thoughts are with you today, Fortune family. Love.
DEANNA Anderson says
Thoughts prayers & hugs to everyone from Travis, DeAnna, Lance & Hadli Anderson
Lila Kay Greenwood says
Wildene Will be truly missed. Her great sense of humor and big heart I will always remember. Sending Prayers for her family during this difficult time.
Rose Timmons says
Thoughts & Prayers to the Family; she was a Special Lady.
Betty Holmes Vail says
I was sorry to read of your mother’s death. As a teenager I spent time with her and always enjoyed those afternoons visiting while the men were roping. Keep your memories close to your heart.
Betty Holmes Vail says
I was sorry to read of your mother’s death. I have fond memories of spending time with her when I was a teenager. I have fond memories of those afternoons visiting while the men were roping. Keep your memories close to your heart. Betty Holmes Vail
Muff Engdahl says
Thoughts and prayers to Wildene’s family. Wildene was a special lady, I have a lot of wonderful memories playing pool league with her so many years ago. Hold your memories close in your hearts.
Muff
Debbie Schofield says
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I have good childhood memories of staying at your house, connecting with the cousins, and your mom and her no nonsense ways!! May your good memories bring you comfort.
Eileen Nessan says
So sorry to hear about Wildene’s passing. So many good memories. What a funny lady, always had a good laugh with her. And a very good cook. Love you all Eileen Nessan
Tom and Kathy Strub says
Very sorry for your loss. She made me laugh many times. Hugs and prayers. Tom and Kathy Strub
Jim & Marj Anderson says
Another one of the true greats of all time is gone. Wildene will be missed by many. She knew how to make everyone smile. Cherish your memories. Our thoughts are with you all.
Glo Simpson says
Loved that lady! Such a great sense of humor and a tell it like it is personality. Hugs to all of you.
Patti LeCraft says
I will always remember Wildene’s humor, brightness and beauty. She was a lovely lady and so much fun to be with. Prayers and love to the family.
Beverly Marston16 says
What good times us cousins had–the family dinners, the Gage swimming pool, staying all night with each other. I will miss her so much, but I know she is glad to see Shelly and all the others. Bet they are having a good time!! Bev
Chris and Dennis Young says
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Deb Bartholomew says
TO ALL THE FAMILY OF WILDENE:
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss of Wildene. She always had a sense of humor and a joy to be around. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. She will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will help you thru difficult times ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, along with lots of hugs during this difficult time.
Sherry Oster says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
PAT HERZOG says
Susie and family. .my daughter Kaci and I remember our fun visits with your mom when she worked at the Conrad’s clothing store. .she always made us laugh..she’ll be making everyone in heaven laugh now. .in time your broken hearts will be heal with all the wonderful memories she left you with. .Love and prayers Pat and Monte Herzog
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
So sorry to hear this, when my folks retired from the ranch and moved to Miles City they struggled to transition, Wildene took them under her wing and watched out for them, she had a heart of gold. My folks thought the world and all of her and so do we.
Marilyn & Jim May says
Sending our sympathy in your loss of such a neat
woman. We had so much fun working at Conrads; her sense of humor, kindness & generosity, just her… miss her. God’s blessings to you all
Aletta Shannon says
Your Mom passed all her great qualities on to you girls! May the memories that fill your hearts help to bring comfort. Prayers & hugs during a difficult time.
Thinking of you all.
Howard White says
I will mourn with my cousins and their families for this memorable woman, mother, grandma and aunt. She will be sorely missed.
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
So sad to here. She was a mother to all of us pups. God bless you all
Ginger and Terry Omland says
Wildene was one of a kind. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Your mom and grandma was such a fun lady. We have a lot of good memories, especially all her boys. Hugs to you all. RIP dear lady.
Tory Fields says
To ALL the DEAR Fortune Girls,
Another AMAZING Lady has passed on in to Heaven. What a legacy she leaves behind on earth in ALL of you wonderful Girls!
Thinking of you ALL with much love and sympathy♥️
God Bless,
Love, Tory
Art and Jeanne Drange says
My sincerest sympathies to all of you. I loved that lady. Remembering her when we lived on the Orcutt Ranch. Way back when. What a “presence” she always was. Love to you all
Sandy Rabe says
Prayers and Blessings for you all.
Laurie Claypool says
Darcy and Stacy and all of Wildene’s family, thinking of you all at this time. Your mom’s memories will be remembered. Hugs to you all! Laurie Claypool
Lloyd & Colette (Pedder) Butcher says
Wildene was a very special lady and a great friend to our Aunt Betty Wright. Like I told Brenda, now that they are in heaven together they will have a lot of catching up to do. Cherish all your find memories.
Cathy Gamrath says
Condolences to Wildene’s family. When she had family in our daycare, this generous lady made pillows for each of our children. When my grandson was born, she made a small quilt for him. It became his “blankie.” Twelve years later it is in shreds but still used and loved. I think of her every time I see it. What a great lady she was!
Mary Ann Wells says
Sincere condolences to all of the family. Wildene was loved by everyone who knew her! She had gifts and talent that were wonderful, and she shared them as well. She brought humor to the lives of all who knew her! She could tell the best stories about her life and others, and had the ability to make you laugh about it! She was a great mother to her girls, and a whole lot of adopted individuals! A loyal friend to those she called friends! Love and prayers to all. Mary Ann
Melissa Moore says
My condolences to Wildene’s family/friends. May your hearts be filled with love, light and the rememberance of the her beautiful soul as you walk the path towards healing. The love and laughter she brought into to so many lives will be forever remembered and her light will continue to shine through those lives she touched. She was a wonderful person. She was always surrounded with laughter and smiles b/ c of her good humor and wit. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! ?
Doug and Randi Wenz says
To the Fortune family, We are sorry for your loss, your Mom raised a wonderful family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,.
Carol Wilcox says
Steve and Carol Wilcox
We are sorry to hear of Wildene’s passing, but what wonderful memories we have from many years ago!
Kris bartholomew says
Always enjoyed visiting with Wildene at the Bison. . . Thinking of all of you
LInda & Richard Meidinger says
To the family of Wildene, so sorry to for your loss. We remember her from when she worked at the Bison and at the Conrads clothing store. She was always fun to visit with. We always thought she did her jobs so well .
I was visiting my friend at the Friendship VIlla yesterday and my friend Pinky had been moved to a different room from when I had seen her a couple months ago. I learned her room mate up until 2 days before had been Wildene. I felt so bad that I hadn’t been there to visit a few days earlier to see her.
I did see and admire along with my friend who had been her room mate but didn’t actually know who she had been until we talked about it, we admired the quilted wall hangings that had not been removed from the room yet. They were just beautiful. I even took photos of them they were so pretty.
You are all in our thought and prayers. May she rest in peace. LInda and RIchard Meidinger
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles & Jim Liles says
Just loved your mom! Sympathy to the family. Mary Ann & Jim Liles
Diane Dresback says
Fond memories of Wildene’s happy smile and bubbly personality. Condolences to the family. Holding you in prayers at this sad time. Diane (Hubing) Dresback
Shanon & Bryan says
So hard to loose a mom and grandma that was as special as she was. Hard and sad time right now, hope fun memories carry you through.
Bill and Hazel Cocke says
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Marcia Gleason says
Thoughts and prayers for you girls. Remembering all the fun times we had when we came to your house in miles city and rode horses on our family vacations. So sorry for your loss, I know my Mom thought alot of Wildene. They will get together in Heaven, and continue visiting.Praying for Peace and Comfort for all of you.Love , from your Idaho cousin that lives in Wa .
Kim B. McRae says
Wildene had a smile that made you feel so welcome, and a great big heart to go with it. My sympathies to her family for I’m sure the loss will be felt by all. Kim B. McRae
Carla Hecker says
I am so very sorry about the loss of your beloved mother and grandmother. May your wonderful memories of her help you get through the tough times. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patty Washington says
My heart hurts for you all. So sorry.