Rosa Lee Willems Dudley passed away August 28, 2019 with her devoted girls by her side.
Rosa “Lee” Willems was born February 18, 1935 in Sanders, Montana, the fifth child of seven to Bill and Mary Willems. She was raised on the family farm outside Hysham, MT. She attended Hysham schools and graduated in 1953. She left the rural farm and small town along with sister Annie to attend the Presentation School of Nursing, Holy Rosary Unit. Besides Miles City training, their education took the girls to Nebraska and Minnesota.
After graduation Lee married Wayne Reed. Together they had three girls Terry Lynn, Mary Jo and Vicki Lee. Lee worked various nursing jobs in Billings and Miles City. The VA Hospital in Miles City was her greatest nursing interest and after many years she retired at the age of 55.
After Wayne died in 1969 Lee met the love of her life Tom Dudley. They were married on July 21, 1971 in South Dakota. Tom gained three daughters and Lee united with a true devoted cowboy.
Lee and Tom enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling. They spent 16 winters in Florence, AZ. L ee enjoyed cooking her wonderful pies, watching sports and her greatest joy – playing cards especially pinochle. Grandma loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed attending their different events. Cards and games were always a main event at family gatherings. No matter your age, Grandma played to win.
Lee is survived by three daughters; Terry (Scott) Koch, Mary Jo Engebretson, and Vicki (Gregg) Glueckert all of Billings. Her beloved grandchildren Brandon (Kirsten) Engebretson, Mallory Erickson, Reed Koch, Kinzey Koch, Thomas Glueckert and Mary Melissa Glueckert and great grandchildren Norah Rose Brakefield, Austin Cole Engebretson Sutton Claire Engebretson and River James Brakefield. Family members Annie Petroff (sister) Gerald Willems (brother) both of Miles City, Marie Rangel (sister) of Forsyth and Jeannine Martin (sister-in-law) of Kalispell along with numerous nieces and nephews. Lee is preceded in death by her husband Tom, her parents and brothers Charles, Martin and Bill Willems.
The family would like to thank Billings Clinic Cancer Center for their great care and RiverStone Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion they provided for us and our Mother.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2019 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should family and friends desire, memorials may be made to RiverStone Hospice and The Senior Citizen Drop In Center
Service Schedule
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Sunday September 8, 2019
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 9, 2019
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
110 N. Montana
Miles City, MT 59301
Rite of Committal
Monday September 9, 2019
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Sunday September 8, 2019
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 9, 2019
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
110 N. Montana
Miles City, MT 59301
Rite of Committal
Monday September 9, 2019
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, MT 59301
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Barbara Seibert says
MaryJo and family I am so sorry to see this. You are all in my thoughts.
Colleen Brockett says
Terri, Mary Jo & Vicki
Please accept my sympathies. Hold on to the times that were happy. I’m sure she’s up there looking down on you and her grandchildren
Take Care.
Marian Icopini says
So sad. Rosa Lee was/is a beautiful Lady.
Good Memories of the Willems Family.
Prayers & BLESSINGS to Marie, Gerald, Annie &
your families.
Voni & Scott Tally says
We are so sorry for your loss. Your Mom/Grandma was a special lady. We so enjoyed her & Tom.. Prayers–
Tanna D Aye says
Terry, Jo and Vickie and families, there are no words that will help ease your heartbreak. Just know that I am thinking of you and hope you find comfort in your mom’s beautiful memory. 💔
Kristin Pacarro says
Thinking of you all at this time ❤️ Sending lots of love.
Janel McCormick says
Such fun memories of Rosa when I was growing up. We love you! Hugs to you all!!
Patti Hanley says
So sorry for your loss, Mary Jo, Vicki, and Terri. Also with all of Aunt Lee’s siblings. I know this is such a rough time for all of you and there are no words. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Louise Martin Roberts says
My love and prayers goes out to Mary Jo, Terri and Vicci. I thinking of all you and your family! I have many wonderful memories of Aunt Lee.
Jami Herndon says
So sorry Vicki. Your mom was an awesome lady. I hope you can find some comfort in all your memories. Thinking of you my friend.
Joan Schmidt Eddy Bunke says
Terry, Mary Jo, Vicki, and families, please accept my condolences for Lees’ passing. Lee was an amazing lady and with Tom stepping in raised 3 beautiful ladies. I send all of you my deepest sympathy and love.
If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Linda Meidinger says
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Rosa many years. She was a beautiful caring lady. Always loved being close to her . May your memories help you through this difficult time. May she rest in peace. WIth our prayers and thoughts. God Bless.
Mary Fahrenbruck says
Terry, Mary Jo , Vicki and families, I’m so sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. I have many happy memories of Lee from the picnics at your house to the crazy, fun vacations at the condo. I’m sending you love and prayers.
Delores I Smith says
I’m so sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. I send my condolences to her family and to my cousins, Annie, Gerald, Marie and
their families. Enjoyed our visits in Arizona with Lee and Tom when they spent winters in Florence. Sending
my love and prayers.
Shelley Pacarro says
My thoughts go out to all of you at this time. Kinzey has shared stories of how much her grandmother liked to play cards and all the great memories of growing up spending time with her. Sending you all love during this sad time with the wonderful memories to sustain you.
Thelma Cade Albrecht says
So sorry to read of Lee’s passing. Although we had lost touch in recent years, I remember living with Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill as a child and sharing many memories and childhood activities with my cousins Lee and her sister Annie. I’m sure the family will miss her and mourn her passing. We hope she is at peace and enjoying happiness in a better place