Pearl Thom (Siirila-Cully) succumbed to the demon that is cancer on November 3rd, 2015 in Miles City, Montana at the age of 71.
Pearl is survived by her husband, Dale and her two loving children and her five grandchildren. Her daughter, Traci and her husband, Cameron Duffin and their children, Hailey and Kent. Her son, Kip Cully and his sons, Zachary, Zane and Zayden (Washington). She is also survived by six of her seven siblings, Vickie (Glen) Olsen of Wisconsin, Jeanna Franklin of Missouri and in Wyoming, Butch (Jeaneen) Siirila, Charotte (Weldon) Haynes, Julie (Ken) Lehmkuhl, and Christine (Ralph) Hughes. She is preceded in death by her mother, Elynor Popko-Ferguson and her sister, Gertie Hampton-Foote, both of whom she loved dearly.
Pearl entered the world on her mother’s birthday in the upper panhandle of Michigan. The family moved to Wyoming where she graduated from Saratoga High School. She met and married Lee Cully in Rawlins, Wyoming, they had two children and later settled in Frenchtown, Montana. The couple divorced and she continued to raise the children alone while working at a plywood plant (the first woman to advance to many jobs at that factory), retiring after 20 years. She met and married a wonderful man, Dale Thom in 1991 and soon after they moved to Miles City, Montana where her children had relocated. She took the opportunity to retrain herself and graduated from Miles Community College with an Accounting Degree and went to work in that field. Since retiring from accounting, Pearl and Dale enjoyed their leisure time yelling at the Griz and growing their list of friends to the many that are mourning her loss today.
Pearl is a loving soul that worked tirelessly for her family. She was the most wonderful mother, wife and grandmother to her own grandchildren and to Gracie, a “granddaughter” she chose.
A funeral is scheduled for Monday, November 9th, 11AM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City, graveside service at the Veteran’s Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Rib and Chop House. Dorothy Zabrocki will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Pearl’s life. To honor her further, please send donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or The Salvation Army, her favorite charities. Your thoughts can be expressed to the family online via Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home.
Carolyn Kimball says
Dale, I am deeply sadden by Pearl’s passing. I hope you can find some solace and comfort to ease your pain.
Denise Harvey says
I am so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine missing your wife, mother, and grandmother. Prayers for peace, comfort, and cherished memories.
Denise and Jay Harvey
Cherie says
Hugs to you Dale, Pearl was an awesome lady. Prayers to you and your family.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Dale,
We are so sorry to hear about your wife. Our deepset sympathy on your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Glen and Teena
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Traci and family,
So sorry about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hold close your memories. We are here for you always.
Diane Grutkowski says
Dale,
I’m sorry to hear about Pearl. You will be in my prayers.
Virgil & Carol Hellyer says
Dale, so sorry to hear of Pearl’s passing. Remembering when she would come to Jordan and join us for our occasional get-togethers. Take care and keep in touch.
Deb Bartholomew says
Dale and Family:
I am so sorry to hear about Pearl passing. God has gained an Angel. Big hugs and prayers to you and your family. I will miss seeing and visiting with her when I come to your house and pick up your hand carved toys. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Pearl was most definitely a Treasure. She will always be in Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Pat & Patty Coyle says
My good friend Dale. Patty and I were saddened at the news we read today. We send our condolences . Every day I walk through my house and look at all the things that remind me of our friendship . Things that were built by my friend the craftsman. A few nails a little scotch and lots of smiles and a few laughs. If there is anything Patty and I can do please let us know. There is always a space for you at our home when you come to Missoula. God bless old friend. Pat and Patty
Chuck and Luann Pluhar says
Dale,
Was so saddened to hear that Pearl is no longer with us. There are still memories of when she went on trips with the girls. Hang in there and remember the good times.
Lennae Wilkins says
Dale and family-
I am sorry to hear of your loss. May you have the love of friends and family to help you through this time…
Sue Paseman says
I am so sorry for your loss – Pearl was one of the surrogate moms I had when I was at the University of Montana. She was vibrant, she was tough and she was kind, and that meant a lot to Traci’s shy, introverted friend 🙂 People are always gone too soon. Take care Pearl – you were loved and you will be missed.
Hugs and love – Sue
Merry and Armando says
Dale and family- We are sorry to hear of your loss. Pearl was such a wonderful lady. We will miss seeing her and our talks. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and you family during these difficult times.
Sandy Richins says
Dale
So sorry for your loss! Hugs and Prayers for you and your loved ones.
Patty and Tom Mott says
Our sincerest condolences go out to all of you. What a wonderful, encouraging, and independent woman Pearl was. Even when she was forced to fend for herself and her children she rose to the occasion with determination, teaching all of her children and grandchildren to do the same.
God Bless. The Motts.
Kari Johnson (Winkley) says
I won’t ever forget the many smarta** things that Pearl always had to say to me. She was defiantly one of the people I enjoyed seeing everyday at the Chophouse, she will be forever loved and missed by many. She is at peace and no longer in pain, Dale you hang in there!
Linda Winkley says
So sorry Dale, I always enjoyed visiting with both of you, at the Stagecoach. She will be missed by everyone.
kayla jane says
Oh Dale! I am so deeply sorry for your loss and I cant tell you how much I wish I could have been there to say goodbye to that wonderful spunky woman of yours. you both were the reasons I loved doing what I did at the chop house everyday. farewell Mrs. pearl I as well as many others will miss you dearly.
Garth Sleight says
Traci and Kip,
I guess I should have known, but I never realized that Pearl was your mom. I loved having her in class at MCC. She brought great enthusiasm to the College and was a joy to know. Knowing Traci and having had Kip as a student at MCC as well, I can see where you get your zest for life. My deepest condolences to you and your families.