Rilla Malchoff, age 95 of Miles City, passed away in her sleep on October 20, 2012 at the Friendship Villa Nursing Home in Miles City.
She was born in Miles City on August 30, 1917, to Walter and Emla (LaBree) Barker. She attended country schools throughout Garfield County with her mother who was a school teacher. She went to high school in Billings as well as Miles City. Growing up Rilla had two favorite horses: Nellie and Peanuts. She also had a little white dog named Teddy. Rilla had one sister Eleanor Swanson. They had a special relationship and everyone in the community new them as the Barker sisters. They would look at each other and burst out laughing; when no one else knew what they found, that was so funny. Rilla married Paul Hayden from eastern Oregon. They had two daughters: Darleen Stone and Eleanor Hafla. Later, Rilla married John A. Kerr from Van Norman, MT. John adopted her daughters and they became a family. They lived on the Big Dry for 25 years and John was the best daddy any two little girls could ever ask for. In 1972 Rilla married Elmer L. Malchoff. They made their home in Boulder and Whitehall, MT; before moving to Miles City in 1996 to live near Rilla’s Children.
When Rilla lived on the Big Dry, she belonged to the Big Sky Cowbells as well as the Maids of all Trades. She is a lifetime member of the D.A.V. ladies auxiliary and Montana Senior Citizens.
Rilla loved western music, especially instrumental. Her daughter took her to dances after she was in the rest home. She also enjoyed taking car rides just to enjoy the scenery.
She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer, her parents, a baby brother, her sister Eleanor and a step great granddaughter Laurie. She is survived by her two daughters Darleen Stone and Eleanor Hafla, 6 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, one step daughter, two step great granddaughters and 17 step great great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2012 followed by a Vigil service at 6:00 p.m.at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Miles City. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Luncheon to follow at the Parish Center.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 25, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 25, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 26, 2012
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 25, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 25, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 26, 2012
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Eleanor and family, Darleen and family
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I have some very fond memories of her when she lived on the Dry. She was one that helped give my wedding shower when I got married. Our deepset sympathy to all the family. God Bless!
Dodie McDonald Paxson says
I am saddened to hear of your mom,’s passing. I remember the many times we spent at your place on the Big Dry when Eleanor fixed our hair. She was such a kind person and will be missed. Your family has had a hard year and may the Good Lord hold you all at this difficult time.
Karen and Allen lBarnes says
to all Rilla’s family, We extend our heartfelt sympathy to you in your sorrow. Losing a loved one is never easy to go through, but know that we are thinking of you.
Cathy Byron says
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. It is not easy to say goodbye to a mother. When we lost our dad, Rilla wrote Mom one of the most touching notes of condolence she received. So personal – so real – so sincere. May you know that we are extending the same to each of you. She is remembered with fondness as a kind, sensitive, and smiling person. Hugs to you all…
Bob and Jane Engdahl says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Darlene ,Ellanor and your families, Mothers are so special, and it is so hard to part with them.Our love goes out to all of you.