Pauline Virginia Lix Nile was born August 15, 1941. She was the youngest of five children born to George and Alieda (Pattyn) Lix in Hardin, Montana. They lived on a small farm near near Lodge Grass, MT until her mother’s passing when she was just seven. The children were then sent to the mission school in St. Xavier so her father could work. She went on to attend school in Lodge Grass and finished her last two years of high school in Forsyth after moving in with her sister, Agnes. There she met and married Francis (Frannie) Nile in September 1961. They lived in Billings, Plains, and Rapelje for a few years while Frannie tried his hand at teaching and coaching. They returned home in Forsyth to a portion of the family farm in 1966 and spent the rest of their years together farming in the Howard Valley. Together they had three sons, Steve (Kristi) of Forsyth, Dan (Heather) of Missoula, and Brett (Angela) of San Angelo, Texas.
She loved her home with the big yard and even bigger garden. She especially loved running her “Pumpkin Patch” where generations of children and families from around the area would come and play on her lawn and take pumpkins home for Halloween. They are truly her honorary pallbearers, as are the many many kids who helped her over the years hoe and pick her great big garden.
She loved her family and all the family get togethers, especially Thanksgiving when she would really show off her cooking skills. Nobody went away hungry at her table. She could feed lunch to a dozen as easily as three and often did. She also loved to play cards. She played cribbage and nertz with the grandkids and almost never cheated. She and Frannie were excellent Bridge players and went to tournaments often in the 70’s and 80’s.
Frannie passed away in April 2011 just five months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary. She was also preceded in death by her four siblings: Arnie Lix, Agnes Weinzetl, Jude Lix, Chaps Lix, and her step grandson, Hayden Hamilton.
She is survived by her sons and their spouses, six grandchildren: Stephanie (Sagan) Osborne, Christopher Nile, Jenna Nile, Bailey Nile, McKinley Nile, and Molly Nile, as well as two great grandchildren, Corbin, and Addison Osborne.
She will be greatly missed.
Dan Halvorson says
My thoughts & prayers are with the Niles family. I’ve been in the Forsyth area many time in the Fall hunting with Mark Wanner & a few others from the Forsyth area. One of the highlights of my time in the area was stopping by Pauline’s and harvesting some produce from her awesome garden.
BERNADETTE MILLER says
I only met Pauline a time or two but the stories of her gardens have just amazed me. I am friends with Alice & Wayne and Alice sold some of Pauline’s veggies over the years – beautiful items. I am sad to see that Pauline has died. She has lived a good, hearty life, staying busy all the time. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this tie of loss.
Cindy Stanton says
I’m sorry to hear of Pauline’s passing. The pumpkin patch was always fun and her generosity to the local domestic violence program participants was wonderful.
Pauline will be missed by the whole Forsyth community.
Laura Kron Monasmith says
Such a sweet lady. Prayers with everyone. Steve so sorry for your loss.
Karen Morris says
With deepest sympathy on Pauline’s passing. May you find comfort in your memories.
Shelley Orth says
Pauline will be dearly missed. She was an amazing lady and worked harder than anyone I know! Anything and everything she did and grew in her gardens was fantastic! She was a wonderful person and I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to know her.
Ginger Carpani says
So sorry for your loss of Pauline. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Rita FitzGerald says
Steven, Danny, Brett and families,
There are some people born to be bigger than life!—and Pauleen (I have always spelled her name wrong, but she liked it) was one of them! She not only left her mark with her passion for gardening, but the passion she put into her time on the school board trying to improve our education system for the kids.
Opinionated, to say the least! When we had to conduct board meetings on stage in the auditorium, she was not at all happy!! When she thought the superintendent wasn’t making any sense, she would rotate her chair and spend the rest of the discussion with her back to him. (Never a dull moment!!)
A void has opened and we can only fill it with sharing our memories. Thank you boys for sharing your Mom with us!!
Rita and Bill FitzGerald
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
Oh Pauline I absolutely thought the world of you. You were a true sweetheart. I pray you are at peace and so happy to be back with Frannie. You worked so hard and now it’s your turn to relax. You will be so missed.
Danny Johnson says
Steve, I am sorry for your loss, praying peace and comfort for you and your family.
Connie Brown says
It is with sadness and joy to hear Pauline has gone on to the “Great Heavenly Pumpkin Patch”! She was quite the lady with such a green thumb, everyone around knew where her garden and pumpkin patch was. May her soul rest in peace, as everyone carries with them memories of her.
Michelle Simpson says
Dear Wayne and Alice, I am so very sorry for your loss. I never had the privilege of meeting Pauline, but I certainly did enjoy the rewards of her garden. May her memories, comfort you I hold you close in andthought in prayer.