Mona Deane (Todd) Wilhelm, age 77 of Forsyth, was called home on July 2nd, 2015 surrounded by her loving family, after a hard fought, 8 month battle with cancer. Mona fought this battle with the dignity and spirit of a real “trooper” until the very last day.
Mona was born on January 7th, 1938 to Clara (Waddell) and Gordon Todd of Fredonia, IA. Mona joined older sister Marilyn in the family home. Mona attended school in Davenport, IA, where the family moved upon Gordon’s entrance into the Navy. During her childhood, Mona loved to roller skate and took great joy and care of her hard earned skates. While “Grandma Todd” worked, Marilyn and Mona stayed home caring for one another, with Mona starting school at the age of only 4 years old so her mom could continue to work while her father served in the Navy.
In 1953, Mona met the love of her life, Chuck Wilhelm, while walking down the sidewalk in Davenport, IA. Chuck ran out and whistled at Mona, ending the night by walking her home; and that is how their story began. Chuck and Mona married on February 26, 1954 in Muscatine, IA and to this marriage of 61 years, four children were born, DeWayne, Deanna, Debra, and Dolly (Dione). Mona followed Chuck from Iowa, to Texas, to Arizona, to California, finally settling in Rosebud, Montana in August of 1969, in a home they had only seen in pictures.
Mona loved to bake for her family and friends, always bringing plates full of “goodies” to any get-together possible. Mona was also an avid reader, particularly loving any type of history, especially that about Montana, the state she loved. But most of all, Mona loved to help her loving husband Chuck with just about anything he asked her to do, including running for parts while wearing a dress and heels, working on vehicles until the wee hours of the morning, going to all-day vehicle auctions, and even driving their tractor pull pick-up the Rosebud Express. Mona will always be remembered as the “tractor pulling grandma” who beat all the big pullers at their own game.
Mona is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Chuck of Forsyth, daughter Debra Nesbitt and special friend Larry Severson of Miles City, daughter and son-in-law Dolly and Troy Ferris of Miles City, grandchildren Brant (Rhonda) Gilbert, JoLynne Frie, Heather Wilhelm, Buck Wilhelm, JR Wilhelm, Macey Ferris (Gary Loomis), and Shelby (Blake) Loomis, along with 7 great-grandchildren, all of whom she was very proud of. Mona was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Clara Todd, sister Marilyn Fulton, nephew Kelly Fulton, and children Deanna and DeWayne Wilhelm.
Visitation for family and friends is planned for Tuesday, July 7th, 2015 from 4-6 p.m. at Stevenson and Son’s Funeral Home in Forsyth. A funeral service for Mona has been arranged for Wednesday, July 8th, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with a luncheon served by the Forsyth American Legion Auxiliary following Mona’s graveside services. In lieu of flowers, it was Mona’s wish to have donations made to Holy Rosary Hospice of Miles City to show appreciation for their excellent care and compassion during the most trying time in her and her family’s life, or donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Tuesday July 7, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Hom
245 Westwind Ln.
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 pm
Wednesday July 8, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln.
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Tuesday July 7, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Hom
245 Westwind Ln.
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 pm
Wednesday July 8, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln.
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Tammy Holmes(Bickle) says
Deb and Dolly,
I am so saddened to hear of Mona’s passing. She was really a sweet lady. I hope you find peace in knowing that she is no longer battling and with the Lord to live her life in heaven. I extend to you all my thoughts and prayers at this time and don’t hesitate to call if you need anything….even just a hug. May the Lord be with you at this time. Love you Tammy
Darin Purkett says
Dolly, I’m sorry to hear about your mother. If you need anything call me. She was the greatest. You’re all in my thoughts. Darin
Lori and Ken Reierson says
RIP MONA…I will be looking up to see if you and Dwayne are truck pulling….Monas family I am sorry for your loss, May God be with you. The world lost a wonderful lady.
Vickie Schneidt says
Debbie, it saddens me to hear this as I know how much your mom means to you. Seeing her photo here, you two could be twins. Praying for you and your family.
Peggy & Brian Certain says
Dolly & Troy Ferris & family, With our sympathy on your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Karen Fode says
Rest In Peace Aunt Mona : No more pain and suffering. Just peace and tranquility. You will be dearly missed by all the life’s that you touched. You may be gone but the memories will never be forgotten. Much love and hugs from your Washington state family.
Karen, Merv and Dennis
DEBRA NESBITT says
MAMA, you are missed so much already, my heart hurts. Thank you for giving me life , and now I have 2 awesome kids and 7 grand kids to carry down your loving arms. Thank you for being the mom you were and the angel you are. LOVE YOUR OLDEST DAUGHTER DEBRA
Carolyn Schenk says
So sorry to hear this fine lady has passed from this world !! Mona was such a nice lady too !! She will be missed .
Ray and Linda says
Mrs. Mona you were one of the first people I met up here. I’m so sorry to hear of your passing. I loved the fact you loved your kids so much. I so appreciate the Christmas I got stuck in your driveway in the early morning, and yet you took me in intill my husband could come get me.
Jack and Kris Crocker says
The Wilhelm Family:
So sorry to here of Mona’s passing. Prayer’s are being sent to you all.
Toni Plympton Bjelland says
Dolly – I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you & your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry and Nan Quinlan says
Wilhelm family, so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. God bless. Larry and Nan Quinlan Bob lohse
Laura Pemberton says
Know that we are all thinking of you at this time Deb. You are never alone…
M Jones says
I am sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. I hope you will find some comfort and strength in Jesus promise of the earthly resurrection(Acts 24:15)and the renewed Paradise earth, where death will be no more and no family will mourn the death of a loved one.-Revelation 21:3,4;John 5:28,29;Luke 23:43. May GOD(Psalms 83:18)grant you peace and comfort now, during this grievous time.Matthew 5:4.
Brian and Sharlene Wallace says
So sorry to hear. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Stan & Sharon Clelland says
Dear Dolly and Troy, so sad about your mom, but she isn’t suffering anymore and those special memories of her will be your blessings. We always hate to lose our loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.
Richard & Linda Meidinger says
Dolly, Troy and family so sad to hear of your moms passing. Our thoughts and prayers are all going to you at the time. May she rest in peace.
We know your special memories will help you through these next days. Linda and Richard
Lori Doeden says
Dolly, Troy & Family so sad to hear of Mona’s passing so many fond memories I will cherish of this wonderful lady. May you look to the Lord for strength in your time of grief and let him hold and comfort you when it’s more than you can bare. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lori Doeden
Georgina Phipps says
Dolly and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you with his love during this time, and always. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
The Phipps Family
Ben, Georgina, Ruthann, and John
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Dolly, Troy and family,
So sad to hear of your moms passing. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Ron and Claira Bromley says
We are so sorry of your loss,Mona was a one of a kind gracious lady! She will diffently be Miss! May she rest in peace!
Wiley & Mary says
Dolly, Troy & Family,
Our thoughts & prayers go out to you all. Praying you will find comfort in God’s arms during this time of loss.
Deb Schmeling says
Dolly, Troy, & Family,
My prayers are with you during this time. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you. Hugs
Deb
Kevin and Michelle Carda says
Troy, Dolly, Macey & Shelby we are so sorry to hear of Mona’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.